CHENNAI: In the wake of the avian influenza outbreak reported in Kerala’s Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, the Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare department has issued a high alert and intensified surveillance across districts bordering the neighbouring State.

The department has directed officials to strengthen monitoring mechanisms along the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border to prevent any spillover of the virus. Special instructions have been issued to set up and reinforce screening at inter-State check-posts, where vehicles arriving from Kerala are being thoroughly inspected and disinfected using approved sanitising agents.

Districts with significant inter-State movement, including Coimbatore, The Nilgiris, Theni, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari, have been specifically instructed to closely monitor vehicles entering from Kerala. Officials said surveillance teams have been placed on standby to respond swiftly to any suspected cases.

Given the ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage season, the Health department has also issued an advisory urging devotees returning from Kerala to remain vigilant. Pilgrims experiencing symptoms such as fever, respiratory distress or unusual fatigue have been advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest government health facility.

In districts with a high concentration of poultry farms, including Namakkal, the Health and Animal Husbandry departments have been directed to jointly intensify surveillance. Veterinary officers have been asked to conduct regular inspections of poultry units and ensure that prescribed biosecurity protocols are strictly followed.

Authorities have also stressed the need to verify whether poultry farms are administering recommended vaccinations and maintaining hygiene standards. Meat shops have been warned against procuring or selling dead or sick poultry, with officials cautioning that strict action would be taken against violators.

A senior official with the Health department clarified that the measures are precautionary in nature and aimed at safeguarding public health, while assuring that there is no cause for panic at present.