H5N1 Bird Flu: Mass Culling, Containment Underway in Cuddalore
Live birds in surrounding areas were also administered VIRKON-S antiviral treatments and sprays as a precautionary measure.
Cuddalore:The Tamil Nadu Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has launched intensive containment and culling operations in Cuddalore district following laboratory confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) at a poultry farm in Kattiyankuppam village, Kurinjipadi taluk.
The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal formally confirmed the H5N1 strain on November 13, after a poultry carcass sample was dispatched for testing on November 5. The outbreak was first flagged on October 30 when sudden bird deaths were reported at a farm in neighbouring Thamanampatti village. By November 13, increased mortality across surrounding poultry farms had claimed approximately 35,647 birds.
Upon receiving initial reports of the deaths, veterinary officials divided the district into compartments to curb transmission and sent preliminary samples to diagnostic laboratories in Namakkal, Erode, and Chennai.
Following the official confirmation, authorities initiated the humane culling of all poultry within the epicenter farm and a one-km radius, adhering strictly to the Government of India’s 2021 Avian Influenza guidelines. So far, 1,550 birds have been culled and disposed of via deep scientific burial using bleaching powder, with operations continuing to achieve 100 percent culling within the designated zone.
To prevent further spread, officials have imposed strict restrictions on the movement of birds to and from affected premises. Departmental veterinary teams, alongside local bodies, are conducting continuous surveillance of neighboring farms while carrying out extensive cleaning, disinfection, and fumigation of affected sites.
Live birds in surrounding areas were also administered VIRKON-S antiviral treatments and sprays as a precautionary measure.
The Animal Husbandry Department, working closely with the Cuddalore District Administration, has circulated informational pamphlets to sensitize residents and urge the public not to panic. Officials emphasized that the outbreak remains confined to the specific Cuddalore compartment, with no cases confirmed elsewhere.
Poultry farmers have been instructed to cooperate fully with biosecurity protocols, while residents are urged to report any unusual bird deaths immediately to the nearest veterinary institution.
