CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Department of Animal Husbandry has intensified surveillance, biosecurity and containment measures across the State following a formal alert from the Union government confirming the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in crows and flagging the potential risk to poultry and public health.
The action comes after the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying wrote to the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, stating that the ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, had confirmed H5N1 avian influenza virus in samples collected from crows in Kanchipuram district on January 21, 2026.
Following the Centre’s communication, the State Department of Animal Husbandry has issued directions to district administrations and local bodies to strengthen biosecurity measures and undertake thorough disinfection in areas reporting bird mortality. Local bodies have been asked to remain vigilant and ensure immediate response to any unusual deaths among birds.
As per the advisory, dead birds must be disposed of strictly through deep burial, adhering to prescribed bio-safety and zoo-sanitary protocols. The Centre has emphasised that carcasses should not be opened without adequate protective measures and that samples from dead birds must be promptly sent to laboratories for collection and testing. Any unusual mortality in poultry or other avian species must be reported immediately to the department, the letter said.
The Centre has also called for intensified active surveillance of poultry, ducks and other susceptible avian populations in affected and surrounding areas. This includes systematic sample collection from wet bird markets, duck night shelters, poultry farms and hatcheries to ensure early detection and containment of any further spread.
In addition, Forest and Wildlife departments have been asked to step up monitoring of wild birds, particularly in fringe and forest-adjacent areas, to track possible transmission among migratory and resident bird populations.
Highlighting the broader implications, the Union government noted that confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza raises serious concerns due to its rapid spread and the potential risk to both animal and human health. The State has been advised to implement a ‘One Health’ approach, integrating efforts across animal husbandry, human health and wildlife sectors for a coordinated response.
The Centre has sought regular, location-wise updated reports from Tamil Nadu, detailing the date of onset of the event, number of susceptible birds, deaths, birds killed or disposed of, epidemiological observations, suspected source or origin of infection and control measures implemented. These details are required for reporting to the World Organisation for Animal Health under immediate notification norms, the communication said.
State officials said all precautionary steps are being taken to contain the situation and prevent any escalation.