Chennai on alert after mass death of crows
Chennai | Desk: Chennai is on high alert after more than 1500 crows were found dead across the city and neighborhoods prompting the Central government to strengthen surveillance and disease control measurements.
This sudden mass death of crows were reported from multiple parts of the city including Adyar, Gandhi Nagar, Pallikaranai, Thiruvanmiyur, Velachery, The East Coast Road and the Old Mahabalipuram Road. Initially residents just noticed collapse of crows in public areas, then trees and rthen in residential areas triggering concern among the civic and animal health authorities.
Responding to this the Animal Disease Investigation team collected samples from the dead birds from the city during the fourth week of January and had ent them to Bhopal's ICAR-NIHAS lab. The results verified the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain.
Given the risk of the virus spreading to other animals and, in rare cases, to humans, the Central Veterinary Research Institute has written to Tamil Nadu’s Chief Secretary, asking for immediate preventive steps.
Officials have been advised to strengthen surveillance, restrict the movement of birds in affected areas, and take quick action to contain the spread.
The Animal Husbandry Department has also issued public advisories.
Residents have been asked to report any sudden bird deaths in their area to the authorities. People have been warned not to touch dead birds or animals with bare hands, as it may increase the risk of infection. Officials have also instructed that carcasses of infected birds, including crows, should be buried in pits at least eight feet deep to avoid contamination.
Health experts are closely watching the situation, but officials have said there is no need to panic if safety guidelines are followed.
Surveillance has been increased at poultry farms and in urban areas across Chennai.
Bird flu cases have also been reported from Kerala and Bihar, raising concerns about wider spread. Authorities said state and central agencies are working together to control the situation and protect public and animal health.
