A bird flu outbreak has been confirmed in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district after laboratory tests found the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza at a poultry farm. Around 35,647 birds have died so far in affected and neighbouring poultry farms as of November 13, and authorities have taken extensive containment measures.
The confirmation was received on 13 November 2026 at an affected poultry farm in Kattiyankuppam village of Krishnapuram panchayat in Kurinjipadi taluk. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has taken up culling, surveillance, and disinfection operations to prevent the virus from spreading further.
How Was the H5N1 Outbreak Detected?
The first reports of sudden bird deaths came on October 30 from a poultry farm in Thamanampatti village in the same taluk. Veterinary teams went to the premises and took samples, which were sent for laboratory tests.
A poultry carcass sample was then sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal on November 5. Laboratory testing showed H5N1 on November 13.
Since bird deaths were also being reported at neighbouring farms, the total number of recorded bird deaths rose to 35,647 by November 13.
Culling of Birds and Containment Measures
Once confirmed, authorities started culling birds at the affected farm and within a one-km radius under Government of India 2021 guidelines.
1,550 birds have been culled so far, and the operation continues with all birds in the containment area. Nine rapid response teams are coordinating containment measures.
The department has also restricted movement of poultry to and from affected premises. Dead and culled birds are being scientifically deep-buried; cleaning, disinfection and fumigation work is going on at poultry farms.
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary has confirmed the outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) in a poultry farm at Kattiyankuppam village in Cuddalore district. The department has intensified containment measures. #DTNext #TamilNadu #Cuddalore #H5N1 #AvianInfluenza https://t.co/btEVY1cOlQ
— DT Next (@dt_next) November 14, 2026
Three-Month Ban on Poultry Restocking
As part of the containment strategy, poultry farm owners in the area have been told not to restock birds for the next three months.
Vet teams are looking at farms in the affected villages and surrounding areas for any further unusual deaths of birds. Awareness materials have been distributed and residents (and poultry farmers) have been asked to report suspicious bird deaths to the nearest veterinary institution.
Is the Outbreak Spreading to Other Areas?
Cuddalore district administration and animal husbandry officials said the outbreak was confined to the affected compartment so far and no spread has been reported in neighbouring areas as of now.
Surveillance, movement restrictions and biosecurity measures are all being used to monitor the situation. Poultry farmers have been asked to cooperate with containment teams and follow the prescribed safety procedures.
More than 35,000 birds have died so far, and authorities are trying to control the outbreak and prevent further losses to poultry farms.
Comments