The deaths of crows reported in Chennai last month have been confirmed as caused by the H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu), a highly pathogenic strain.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Laboratory tests conducted at the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD/NIHAS) in Bhopal verified the presence of the virus in samples collected from dead crows, primarily from areas like Adyar, with reports emerging in late January 2026. Authorities estimate that between 1,000 and 1,500 crows (or more in some accounts) died across various parts of Chennai, including southern neighborhoods like Adyar, Velachery, Thiruvanmiyur, and along OMR, in late January and early February.
The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has formally notified the Tamil Nadu government, urging the state to:
- Strengthen biosecurity measures in poultry farms and bird-handling areas.
- Intensify surveillance of poultry, wild birds, and migratory species.
- Ensure safe disposal of carcasses (through incineration or deep burial) to prevent further spread.
- Conduct thorough disinfection in affected zones.
Tamil Nadu has issued a statewide high alert, with the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries mandating precautionary steps for farmers, pet owners, and the public. Residents are advised not to touch or handle dead or sick birds, to report sightings immediately, and to use gloves/masks if unavoidable contact occurs, followed by thorough handwashing.
No human cases of H5N1 have been reported in India so far in connection with this outbreak. The virus spreads rapidly among birds but rarely infects humans, typically requiring close, prolonged exposure to infected animals or their secretions. Globally, the World Health Organization continues to monitor H5N1 due to its zoonotic potential and ongoing infections in various countries, emphasizing vigilance to prevent any spillover.
This event serves as an environmental signal of avian influenza circulation in wild birds, prompting proactive containment to protect poultry sectors and public health. If you’re in Chennai or nearby, stay updated via official sources like the Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry Department or central health advisories, and avoid direct contact with wild bird carcasses.