H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak Confirmed in Chennai After Mass Crow Deaths; What Avian Influenza Is, How Dangerous It Can Be and Measures to Curb Its Spread

Chennai, February 6: An outbreak of the H5N1 avian influenza virus has been confirmed in Chennai after several hundred crows were found dead across different parts of the city, raising serious concerns about the spread of bird flu in the region. Health and animal husbandry authorities have swung into action, issuing a public advisory and enforcing strict biosecurity measures to prevent further transmission.

According to officials, samples collected from the Adyar area tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. Following this confirmation, the Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has written to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, urging immediate and comprehensive field surveillance and the adoption of a “One Health” approach that integrates human health, animal health and wildlife monitoring. Bird Flu Mutation Could Trigger Pandemic Worse Than COVID-19, Warns French Expert; Says Global Risk Remains Low For Now.

As part of containment efforts, authorities have directed that all carcasses of crows and poultry be incinerated or deeply buried as per biosecurity protocols. The public has been strictly advised not to touch or handle dead birds and to immediately inform local authorities about any fresh sightings of bird deaths. What Is H5N5? All About the Bird Flu Strain as US Reports First Human Case of Unpredictable Avian Influenza in Washington State.

What Is H5N1 Bird Flu?

H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of the influenza A virus that primarily infects birds, especially poultry and wild birds. Commonly referred to as bird flu, it spreads rapidly among bird populations and often causes severe disease and high mortality.

Can H5N1 Spread to Humans?

Human infections are rare but possible, usually occurring through close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. While uncommon, such cases can be severe, involving serious respiratory illness like pneumonia. This is why outbreaks are closely monitored and strict preventive measures are enforced.

How Dangerous Is the Virus?

H5N1 poses the greatest risk to birds, where it can trigger large-scale outbreaks with devastating losses in poultry. For humans, the general public risk remains low, but confirmed cases in the past have shown a higher fatality rate compared to seasonal flu, making vigilance essential.

Measures Being Taken to Contain the Outbreak

Authorities have outlined several steps to curb the spread of avian influenza:

• Intensified field surveillance and public awareness campaigns to track bird deaths

• Safe disposal of dead birds through burning or deep burial, with no field post-mortems

• Mandatory reporting of bird deaths by forest and local officials

• Advisories to the public to avoid contact with dead birds and maintain strict hygiene

• Enhanced biosecurity at poultry farms, including restricted access, disinfection protocols and prevention of contact with wild birds

Officials have reiterated that early reporting, public cooperation and strict adherence to guidelines are crucial to containing the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in Chennai and preventing any wider risk to animal or human health.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 06, 2026 05:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).