Cuddalore: Intensive surveillance after 5,000 chickens die at poultry farms
The Department of Animal Husbandry is investigating the cause of deaths across six poultry farms in Thiyagavalli.
The Department of Animal Husbandry has increased surveillance at Thiyagavalli in Cuddalore district after more than 5,000 chickens died at six poultry farms recently, according to The Hindu.
The deaths began at a farm in Thammanampettai village, where an initial 200 to 250 chickens died. During a follow-up inspection on October 31, 2026, officials found that the remaining 3,500 chickens at that location had also died.
Authorities have since expanded disease surveillance to 11 poultry farms within an 11-km radius of the initial site. Officials reported that another 1,910 chickens died at five other farms in the area.
Joint Director of Animal Husbandry M. Murugavel said the cause of death is under investigation. He stated that laboratory tests will determine if the deaths were caused by infection or weather factors like increased moisture, but noted that avian influenza has been ruled out.
Samples of drinking water and poultry feed have been sent to laboratories in Chennai and Namakkal. Carcasses were disposed of through deep burial with help from the district administration.
Poultry farm owners in the area have been advised to avoid selling birds or stocking new chicks for three months. They were also instructed to disinfect equipment and restrict visitors to maintain hygiene.