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The Tamil Nadu government declared a high alert on February 6 following reports of extensive crow deaths across various regions in the state, raising concerns
regarding a possible outbreak of avian influenza. In response to this escalating biosecurity threat, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries issued a detailed advisory outlining stringent precautionary measures for poultry farmers and those handling wild birds throughout Tamil Nadu.
Public Health Advisory
Dr. A. Somasundaram, Director of Public Health, stated that the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) has released a communication urging the public to adhere to strict safety protocols. He emphasized the importance of following guidelines based on the Central government's circular concerning the prevalence of avian flu in Tamil Nadu.Health Precautions for Individuals
The DPH has recommended that individuals seek immediate medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms, including cough, cold, fever, or breathing difficulties. Particular caution is advised for those employed in slaughterhouses and for personnel handling sick or deceased birds.Enhanced Surveillance Measures
The Animal Husbandry department has instructed its officials to increase surveillance and maintain vigilance to identify any unusual sickness or mortality among crows, migratory birds, and commercial poultry.Under the new protocols, veterinary staff have been directed to avoid conducting autopsies on deceased birds in the field. Instead, they are to refer all carcasses to designated Regional Disease Diagnostic Labs to ensure accurate clinical assessments and proper containment.
