Chennai, February 8, 2026: Tamil Nadu has been placed on high alert after the sudden deaths of more than 1,000 crows across parts of Chennai, raising concerns over a possible outbreak of avian influenza. The statewide alert was issued on Friday, February 6, 2026, by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of bird flu among birds, poultry, and humans.
Animal husbandry authorities confirmed that surveillance has been intensified following reports of large-scale crow deaths in areas such as Adyar, Velachery, and several other localities. Laboratory testing has detected the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in some bird samples, prompting coordinated action across various departments in the state.
According to WHO, Avian influenza A(H5N1) is a subtype of influenza virus that infects birds and mammals, including humans in rare instances.
The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine released a public advisory urging residents to remain cautious. People have been advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, or breathing difficulty, especially if they have had direct or indirect contact with birds.
Authorities emphasized that human infection remains rare and usually occurs only through close contact with infected birds or their carcasses. According to reports, no human cases have been reported in Tamil Nadu so far.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also emphasized that human cases detected so far are mostly linked to close contact with infected birds or other animals, as well as contaminated environments. It stated that the virus does not appear to transmit easily from person to person, and sustained human-to-human transmission has not been reported.
Special caution has been advised for poultry workers, slaughterhouse staff, and others who routinely come into contact with sick or dead birds. The public has been strictly warned against touching sick or dead birds with bare hands.
Authorities have instructed that bird carcasses should not be examined in open spaces. Instead, they must be sent to designated Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories. Dead birds must be disposed of through incineration or deep burial to prevent environmental contamination.
Poultry farms have been directed to restrict visitor entry and strengthen biosecurity measures on farms. Monitoring has also been initiated at live bird markets and wet markets. The movement of poultry and poultry products is being regulated in border regions. Wildlife officials have placed forest areas, including the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, under close observation to track bird populations, as confirmed by Deputy Director M.G. Ganesan. Major poultry-producing regions such as Namakkal, one of the largest egg-producing areas in India, are also under enhanced surveillance.
Tamil Nadu’s coastal wetlands and urban water bodies lie along key migratory bird routes, increasing the risk of virus introduction and potential spread to the local bird population.
State Health Minister Ma. Subramanian said preparedness measures are firmly in place and reassured the public that there is no need to panic. He emphasized the increased surveillance and the efforts of veterinary and public health teams. Hospitals have been advised to remain alert for influenza-like illness among individuals who may have interacted with birds.
The government has also launched an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to educate the public about avian influenza symptoms, transmission risks, and preventive measures.
(Rh/VK)
