Chennai has been placed on high alert following the discovery of over 1,500 dead crows in various neighborhoods, leading to concerns of bird flu. The Central government has instructed Tamil Nadu authorities to bolster surveillance and disease-control measures in response to the confirmed cases. The affected areas include Adyar, Gandhi Nagar, Pallikaranai, Velachery, Thiruvanmiyur, the East Coast Road, and the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR).
Residents raised alarms as crows were observed collapsing in public spaces and residential areas, prompting swift action by civic and animal health authorities. Samples from the deceased birds were collected by the Animal Disease Investigation Team from Kancheepuram and sent for testing, confirming the presence of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
To prevent further spread of the virus, the Central Veterinary Research Institute has urged immediate precautionary measures, including enhanced monitoring, movement restrictions in affected zones, and rapid response protocols. Public advisories have been issued by the Animal Husbandry Department, emphasizing the importance of reporting sudden bird deaths and avoiding direct contact with dead birds to reduce infection risks.
Authorities have instructed the safe burial of infected bird carcasses at least eight feet deep to prevent contamination, while health experts continue to monitor the situation closely. Surveillance has been intensified in poultry farms and urban bird habitats across Chennai to contain the outbreak effectively. Additionally, cases of bird flu have been reported in Kerala and Bihar, prompting collaborative efforts between state and central agencies to safeguard public and animal health.
