Avian influenza confirmed in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore, over 1,500 chickens culled
On November 5, a carcass sample was despatched to NIHSAD Bhopal, which confirmed H5N1 on November 13
The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in samples taken from a poultry farm located in Kattiyankuppam village, which is in the Kurinjipadi taluk of Cuddalore district. District Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar informed The Hindu that this confirmation came on November 13, 2026, following the collection of samples on November 5.
The containment operation has been extensive, with all birds at the affected farm and within a one-kilometre radius being culled. As of November 13, a total of 35,647 birds had died in the affected area, following the first report of sudden mortality on October 30 at Thamanampatti village in Thiyagavalli Panchayat. Veterinary teams collected samples from the initial farm and sent them to various laboratories for testing.
Following the standard procedures under the National Action Plan, the district was divided into compartments to limit the disease's spread. The culling efforts have so far resulted in the humane euthanasia of 1,550 birds, and the department aims to cull 100% of the affected birds in the epicentre farm and the surrounding 1-kilometre area.
Deep burial in designated pits, followed by bleaching powder application and the implementation of biosecurity measures, is the method used for carcass disposal. Movement of birds in and out of the affected farms has been strictly prohibited, and all poultry farms in the vicinity have been placed under intensive surveillance. The district administration has advised the public not to panic, as the outbreak is contained within the Cuddalore compartment, with no cases reported from other regions.
Farmers are advised to restock poultry only after a three-month period, and they are expected to adhere to the prescribed protocols during this time. The Animal Husbandry Department is continuously monitoring the situation and working closely with local bodies to ensure the containment efforts are effective.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
