Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Feb 6: Amid reports of large-scale crow deaths and rising concerns over the possible spread of avian influenza, the Tamil Nadu Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries on Thursday issued a detailed advisory prescribing precautionary and biosecurity measures to prevent the disease among poultry and wild birds.
The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) also released a separate advisory, urging the public to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. People have been advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms such as cough, cold, fever or breathing difficulties.
The DPH specifically cautioned slaughterhouse workers and individuals handling sick or dead birds to exercise extreme care. Members of the public were urged to promptly inform the animal husbandry department if any unusual bird deaths are noticed.
Meanwhile, the animal husbandry department has instructed officials to intensify surveillance to detect abnormal sickness or mortality among crows, other wild birds and poultry. Veterinary staff have been directed not to conduct post-mortem examinations of dead birds in the field and instead send carcasses to designated Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories.
As per the advisory, dead birds must be either incinerated or buried deep to prevent scavenging and further spread of infection. The department also stressed that the public should not touch dead birds with bare hands and must use gloves, followed by thorough handwashing, if handling is unavoidable.
Deputy Director of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve M G Ganesan said all wildlife divisions have been instructed to keep a close watch on wild bird populations. Poultry farms have been advised to strictly restrict the entry of outsiders as a preventive measure.
The advisory further called for an extensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign to raise awareness about the symptoms and risks of avian influenza. Special surveillance has been ordered at live bird and wet markets, while movement of poultry and poultry products has been restricted in border areas. District administrations have been directed to assess preparedness levels and ensure the availability of necessary equipment to handle any potential outbreak.