Home / Health / Tamil Nadu on High Alert After Mass Crow Deaths Spark Bird Flu Fears
Tamil Nadu on High Alert After Mass Crow Deaths Spark Bird Flu Fears
6 Feb
Summary
- H5N1 avian influenza confirmed in dead crows across Chennai.
- Tamil Nadu govt urged to boost surveillance and biosecurity measures.
- Public advised to avoid sick/dead birds and report unusual deaths.
The state of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, is under an elevated avian influenza alert due to the discovery of hundreds of dead crows that tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus. Investigations were triggered by reports of crow deaths in various city areas in late January. Samples confirmed H5N1, prompting the Union government to call for intensified surveillance and biosecurity efforts by the Tamil Nadu administration to curb the virus's spread among wild birds, poultry, and potentially humans.
While no human infections have been reported, public health officials are issuing advisories for safety. The public is urged to report any unusual bird deaths immediately and avoid direct contact with sick or deceased birds. The One Health approach is being emphasized, coordinating animal, wildlife, and human health sectors to manage the risk effectively and protect public and animal well-being without causing undue alarm.
