Tamil Nadu Bolsters Poultry Defenses: Rapid Response Teams Tackle Bird Flu Risk
The Animal Husbandry Department has set up Rapid Response Teams to safeguard chickens and ducks from bird flu
As avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, casts a shadow over poultry farms in several Indian states, Tamil Nadu is taking no chances. On Monday, February 24, 2025, Erode District Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara announced the deployment of 50 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) by the Animal Husbandry Department to protect the district’s sizable poultry population from the viral disease. With approximately 62.20 lakh chickens, ducks, and other domesticated birds housed in farms across Erode, these measures underscore the state’s commitment to safeguarding its thriving poultry industry.
In an official statement, Collector Sunkara emphasized that while no cases of bird flu have been reported in Erode or elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, the proximity of outbreaks in neighboring states has prompted heightened vigilance. “We’ve set up these teams to act swiftly if any suspicious cases emerge,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure the safety of our poultry birds and reassure farmers that we’re prepared.”
A Proactive Stance Amid Regional Concerns
Tamil Nadu’s poultry sector, a vital economic pillar in districts like Erode, Namakkal, and Coimbatore, faces a potential threat as bird flu outbreaks have surfaced in states such as Andhra Pradesh and Kerala in recent months. In December 2024, Andhra Pradesh reported an H5N1 outbreak in Nellore district, leading to significant poultry deaths and prompting local authorities to ban the transport of eggs, chicks, and feed. Earlier instances in 2024, including Kerala’s Alappuzha district duck farms being hit by the virus, have kept southern India on edge. Though Tamil Nadu has remained unscathed so far, the state government is leaving nothing to chance.
Erode, a key poultry hub in the state, is home to millions of birds, making it a critical area for surveillance. The 50 RRTs, composed of trained veterinary officials, are tasked with rapid intervention—visiting farms at the first sign of trouble, conducting inspections, and advising owners on biosecurity protocols. Routine checks are already underway, with officials urging farmers to report any unusual bird deaths or symptoms like respiratory distress, lethargy, or sudden drops in egg production.
No Panic, But Plenty of Precaution
Collector Sunkara was quick to dispel any alarm among Erode’s poultry farmers. “There’s no need to panic,” he reassured. “We’re acting preemptively because we understand the stakes.” Tamil Nadu’s poultry industry supports thousands of livelihoods and contributes significantly to the state’s economy, with Erode alone boasting a robust network of farms. The absence of local cases is a testament to the state’s stringent monitoring, but the government is keenly aware of the virus’s ability to spread through migratory wild birds, contaminated equipment, or human movement.
Tamil Nadu has a history of proactive bird flu prevention. In 2022, following Kerala’s outbreak, the state deployed over 1,000 RRTs statewide, established border checkposts, and banned poultry imports from affected regions. Similar measures appear to be in play now, with the Animal Husbandry Department coordinating with public health officials and local bodies to maintain a tight net of surveillance. Posts on X have praised Tamil Nadu’s approach, with one user noting, “TN’s biosecurity game is strong—keeping bird flu at bay while others scramble.”
The Bigger Picture: Bird Flu in India
Avian influenza, caused by strains like H5N1 and H7N9, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds but can occasionally jump to humans through direct contact. India has faced sporadic outbreaks over the years, with 2024 seeing renewed activity. Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore outbreak in December led to rapid containment efforts, while Kerala’s earlier incidents prompted culling and disinfection drives. Globally, the H5N1 strain has wreaked havoc since 2020, decimating poultry flocks and wild bird populations, and raising concerns about its spread to mammals, including dairy cattle and cats in the U.S.
In Tamil Nadu, the focus remains on prevention. Biosecurity measures—such as restricting farm visitors, disinfecting equipment, and isolating new birds—are being reinforced. The state’s wild bird surveillance, supported by national programs, also plays a key role in tracking potential carriers like migratory waterfowl, which could introduce the virus during their seasonal journeys.
Farmers Urged to Stay Vigilant
While the situation in Erode remains stable, the Collector urged farmers to stay proactive. “Report anything unusual immediately,” he advised. “Our teams are here to support you.” The RRTs are equipped to respond within hours, ensuring that any potential outbreak can be nipped in the bud. For now, Tamil Nadu’s poultry farmers can breathe a cautious sigh of relief, knowing that their birds—and their livelihoods—are under a watchful eye.
As the state braces for any eventuality, Tamil Nadu’s swift action in Erode sends a clear message: preparedness is the best defense against bird flu. With no cases reported locally, the hope is that these measures will keep it that way, preserving the region’s poultry legacy in the face of a looming regional threat.
