Poultry farms in Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district, a major egg-producing center in India, are increasing biosecurity and surveillance measures following reports of avian influenza outbreaks in neighboring Kerala. Despite not sharing a direct border with Kerala, Namakkal plays a crucial role in the country’s poultry industry, with around 1,500 farms producing millions of eggs daily for markets nationwide and overseas.
In response to the situation, the Tamil Nadu government is enhancing monitoring at inter-state borders, conducting more inspections of poultry transport vehicles, and tightening health surveillance on farms. Poultry farm owners like Pathasarathy K have implemented additional safety protocols, emphasizing controlled environments for raising poultry, regular cleaning, disinfection, and the use of formalin to combat disease-causing organisms.
Farmers are ensuring preventive vaccination, strict hygiene practices, and constant monitoring to safeguard their farms. Valsan Parameswaran, from the All India Poultry Product Exporters Association, highlighted the industry’s vigilance, with export-oriented farms adhering to stringent biosecurity measures and regular testing of birds and water used in farms to eliminate pathogens.
Authorities from the Animal Husbandry Department have intensified surveillance at inter-state check posts in Namakkal to mitigate the risk, recognizing the district’s vulnerability due to its significance as a poultry hub. Increased inspections, vehicle checks, and awareness programs are being implemented to enable early detection and prevention of potential outbreaks.
