Tamil Nadu government issues advisory after avian influenza detection in crow samples

Following the detection of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) virus in samples collected from a dead crow in Chennai, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has issued an advisory for the general public. “Avian influenza rarely spreads to humans,” said Director of Public Health A. Somasundaram.

The advisory reiterates that avian influenza is a viral disease that spreads from an infected bird to other birds, and that transmission to humans is rare. However, it notes that those who handle birds, especially sick and dead birds, and those who work in slaughterhouses must exercise caution. Those with flu-like symptoms such as cough, cold, fever, and difficulty in breathing must seek medical assistance at the nearest government health facility.

Residents have been urged to inform the Animal Husbandry Department of any unusual bird deaths in their locality and maintain personal hygiene measures such as hand washing and also ensure that the environment around them is clean.

In terms of food, any eggs or meat that is not fully cooked or improperly cooked should be avoided. Residents must also avoid travelling to areas where an outbreak of avian influenza has been reported.

The advisory also cautions residents not to believe in rumours. For further information, members of the public can dial 104.

Chennai Corporation asked to enhance surveillance

Further, a communication from the Animal Husbandry Department stated that the Chennai Corporation and municipalities have been asked to enhance biosecurity and carry out thorough disinfection in areas where crow mortality was reported. Additionally, local bodies have been asked to dispose of bird carcasses through deep burial.

Instructions have also been issued to officials not to conduct necropsies at the field level to prevent the spread of infection. The Forest Department has, meanwhile, been requested to intensify surveillance in fringe areas.

Early in January, residents in areas including Adyar, Velachery, and Neelankarai reported spotting dead or dying crows in their localities.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying of the Union government later confirmed that strains of H5N1 were found in crow samples lifted from Adyar. The samples were submitted by the Assistant Director, Animal Disease Intelligence Unit, Kanchipuram.

The communication from the Union government said local municipalities should strengthen biosecurity and undertake thorough disinfection in areas where bird mortality has been reported.