Chennai, Feb 07 : Following reports of widespread crow deaths and rising concerns over a possible avian influenza outbreak, Tamil Nadu authorities have issued a statewide advisory outlining biosecurity measures to curb transmission among birds, poultry and humans.
The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries released detailed guidelines, while the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) appealed to residents to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended precautions.
Health officials urged anyone experiencing flu like symptoms including fever, cough, cold or breathing difficulty to seek medical care immediately, especially if they have recently been exposed to birds.
Workers at slaughterhouses, poultry farms and others handling birds have been advised to exercise heightened caution. Citizens have also been asked to promptly inform authorities about unusual bird deaths or clusters of illness.
Field staff and veterinary teams have been directed to step up surveillance across districts to identify sudden sickness or mortality among crows, wild birds and domestic poultry. Post-mortem examinations in open spaces have been prohibited, with carcasses required to be sent to designated Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories.
Authorities stressed that dead birds must be incinerated or buried deep to prevent environmental contamination and the spread of infection through scavengers. The public has been warned against touching carcasses with bare hands; gloves should be used if handling is unavoidable, followed by thorough handwashing.
Wildlife officials have also heightened monitoring in forest areas. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Deputy Director M.G. Ganesan confirmed that teams have been placed on alert to closely track bird populations.
Poultry farms have been instructed to limit visitor access and reinforce on-site biosecurity protocols. Meanwhile, special checks are underway at live bird and wet markets, and the movement of poultry and related products is being regulated in border regions.
The government has called for an extensive awareness drive to educate the public about the risks and symptoms of avian influenza. District administrations have been told to review preparedness and ensure adequate equipment and rapid response systems are ready to manage any potential outbreak.