Chennai has been placed on high alert after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in more than 1,500 dead crows found across several parts of the city and neighbouring districts.

According to official sources, samples tested at the ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases confirmed H5N1 infection in birds from Chennai and Kancheepuram, prompting the Union government to direct Tamil Nadu authorities to intensify disease-control and biosecurity measures.

The bird deaths have been reported from multiple localities, including Adyar, Gandhi Nagar, Pallikaranai, Velachery, Thiruvanmiyur, and along the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) stretches. Civic authorities have been instructed to safely dispose of carcasses through deep burial and to strengthen surveillance in affected areas.

Officials said a “One Health” approach — involving coordination between animal health, public health and municipal agencies — is being followed to contain the situation. Sanitation drives and monitoring of bird populations are continuing across identified zones.

Residents have been advised not to touch or handle dead birds and to immediately report any sightings to local authorities. While officials have stressed that there is no cause for panic, heightened vigilance is essential to prevent the spread of the virus among birds and to reduce potential public health risks.

Avian influenza outbreaks among birds have been reported periodically in different parts of the country, with authorities emphasising early detection, biosecurity measures and public cooperation as key to effective containment.

  animal health, avian influenza India, biosecurity measures, Chennai bird flu, H5N1 virus, public health surveillance, Tamil Nadu health alert