Dead Crows Found in Tamil Nadu Town Spark H5N1 Bird Flu Threat; Officials Say No Human Health Risk

The death of many crows in Vedasandur in Tamil Nadu over the last few days has caused fear among the locals over the spread of H5N1 bird flu, which caused headlines earlier this month. However, officials said there was no need to worry and that a probe was underway to ascertain the reason behind what killed the birds. A health official has allayed concerns of bird flu. Officials also dismissed reports of mass deaths numbering up to 100. While there have been recent deaths of one or two crows, on February 8, about six to seven crows died, causing some anxious moments for the public, they said. “There have been deaths of one or two crows, and not as mentioned in some media reports of about 100. On February 8, about six to seven crows died. We

got information about the dead crows. We collected them and buried them,” the official told PTI. According to officials, the Vedasandur taluk in Dindigul district is home to several old trees and dense vegetation, which attracts a large number of birds, including crows. “There is no need for any health concerns. We have informed the veterinarians who have collected some samples (from the dead crows) and are investigating the cause of deaths,” he added.

Bird flu spread in Chennai

Last week, Chennai was put on a high alert after hundreds of dead crows were found across the city, with laboratory tests confirming the presence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus.

What is H5N1 bird flu?

Bird flu happens from a type of virus that spreads among birds and other animals. You might hear about bird flu when there’s an outbreak affecting large numbers of birds or other animals. This is concerning because it can increase the risk of human infection, affect wildlife, and reduce the food supply. There have been ongoing cases of human infections in the US since 2024.Also read: This Common Gut Condition Raises Bowel Cancer Risk by 600 Percent, Doctors Warn

Can humans be affected?

Even though bird flu outbreaks are not uncommon in India, every new cluster raises the same question: Can it spread to people? H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza that primarily affects birds, particularly domestic poultry such as chickens and ducks. Infected birds often die suddenly, which is why authorities move quickly to cull affected flocks, restrict movement, and disinfect farms. In Chennai, animal health officials have activated surveillance zones and biosecurity protocols to prevent further spread. For humans, while the risk remains low, it cannot be zero. Human infections typically occur through direct, close contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of H5N1, which is a major reason why health experts are not sounding a public health alarm at this stage. Most past human cases globally were linked to poultry workers or people handling sick birds without protective gear.

What are the H5N1 symptoms in humans?

Symptoms in humans, if infection occurs, range from fever and cough to severe respiratory illness. However, casual exposure like consuming properly cooked poultry or eggs is not a threat, as the virus is destroyed by heat. Authorities advise the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, report unusual poultry deaths, and follow hygiene measures like regular handwashing. Poultry workers are urged to use protective equipment and seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop. And so, the Chennai outbreak is primarily an animal health issue, not a human epidemic. Vigilant monitoring, transparent reporting, and calm public awareness remain the best tools to ensure the virus stays confined to birds, where it belongs.