Chennai: Following reports of avian influenza outbreaks in neighbouring Kerala, poultry farms in Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district—one of India’s largest egg-producing hubs—have intensified biosecurity and disease surveillance measures to prevent any possible spread of infection.
Although Namakkal does not share a direct border with Kerala, authorities and poultry farmers are taking no risks due to the district’s critical role in the country’s poultry supply chain.
Namakkal is home to nearly 1,500 poultry farms and produces millions of eggs every day, supplying markets across several Indian states as well as international destinations.
In response to the evolving situation, the Tamil Nadu government has strengthened monitoring at inter-state check posts, increased inspections of poultry transport vehicles, and enhanced health surveillance across farms.
Pathasarathy K, a poultry farm owner in Namakkal, said that precautionary measures have been significantly upgraded.
“After the avian flu outbreak in Kerala, we have strengthened biosecurity norms. Poultry here is raised in a controlled environment, and regular cleaning and disinfection are strictly followed. Formalin is used frequently to eliminate disease-causing organisms,” he said.
He added that vehicles transporting poultry feed and eggs are now thoroughly disinfected before entering farm premises.
“Vehicles coming from Kerala are handled with extreme caution. They are completely disinfected before being allowed anywhere near the farms,” he noted.
Another poultry farmer highlighted the importance of preventive vaccination and hygiene practices.
“Birds are vaccinated on schedule, and hygiene is strictly maintained. Damp litter, waste accumulation, or contaminated feed can easily trigger infections, so constant monitoring is essential,” he said.
Valsan Parameswaran, Secretary of the All India Poultry Product Exporters Association, said the industry remains on high alert.
“More than 50 lakh eggs are exported daily from Namakkal. Export-oriented farms follow stringent biosecurity protocols year-round. Birds are tested every 21 days, and even the water used in farms is treated to eliminate pathogens,” he explained.
A senior official from the Animal Husbandry Department confirmed that inter-state surveillance has been intensified.
“Although Namakkal does not share a border with Kerala, its importance as a poultry hub makes it vulnerable. We have increased inspections, vehicle checks, and awareness programmes for farmers and workers to ensure early detection and prevention of any outbreak,” the official said.