H5N1 bird flu confirmed in Cuddalore; 35,647 birds die

The H5N1 bird flu virus was confirmed in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, where 35,647 birds died across poultry farms. Initial bird deaths were reported on October 30 at a poultry farm in Thamanampatti village, and laboratory confirmation arrived on 13 Nov 2026 following tests at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services and the Cuddalore district administration initiated containment operations, which included culling birds within a one-kilometre radius, applying disinfectant sprays, and administering oral treatments. Collector Sibi Adithya Senthilkumar stated, “We have instructed poultry farm owners not to restock birds for the next three months as part of the safety protocol.” Nine rapid response teams were formed to carry out culling and burial, while authorities restricted poultry transportation and distributed advisory pamphlets. Officials from the Revenue Department and local panchayats will monitor the farms to ensure compliance with safety protocols, according to News9live.