Chennai, Dec 28 (NationPress) Following the emergence of avian influenza outbreaks in neighboring Kerala, poultry farms in Tamil Nadu's Namakkal district, recognized as one of the largest egg-producing regions in India, have significantly enhanced their biosecurity and monitoring protocols to thwart the disease's spread.

Despite Namakkal’s lack of a direct border with Kerala, local authorities and poultry producers are exercising extreme caution due to the district's pivotal contribution to India's poultry sector.

Namakkal is home to nearly 1,500 poultry farms that produce millions of eggs daily, catering to markets throughout various Indian states and even internationally.

In response to the current situation, the Tamil Nadu government has ramped up surveillance at interstate borders, increased inspections of poultry transport vehicles, and fortified health monitoring across farms.

Pathasarathy K, a farm owner in Namakkal, shared that they have implemented additional safety measures as a precaution. “Post the avian flu outbreak in Kerala, we have bolstered our biosecurity standards. Poultry here is cultivated in a controlled setting, with strict adherence to regular cleaning and disinfection procedures. We frequently utilize formalin to eradicate disease-causing agents,” he stated.

He further mentioned that vehicles transporting poultry feed and eggs undergo comprehensive disinfection before entering farm premises.

“Vehicles arriving from Kerala are treated with utmost caution and are fully disinfected before they are permitted near the farms,” he emphasized.

Another farmer noted that preventive vaccinations and hygiene practices are vital in safeguarding farms. “We ensure timely vaccinations for the birds, and hygiene is strictly upheld. Issues like damp litter, waste build-up, or contaminated feed can easily lead to infections, hence constant monitoring is crucial,” he remarked.

Valsan Parameswaran, secretary of the All India Poultry Product Exporters Association, stated that the industry remains vigilant against potential threats. “More than 5 million eggs are exported daily from Namakkal. Farms focused on exports adhere to rigorous biosecurity measures year-round. Birds are tested every 21 days, and even the water utilized in farms is treated to eliminate pathogens,” he mentioned.

A senior official from the Animal Husbandry Department confirmed that surveillance at interstate checkpoints has been heightened. “Even though Namakkal does not share a border with Kerala, its significance as a poultry hub renders it susceptible. We have intensified inspections, vehicle checks, and awareness programs for farmers and workers to ensure early detection and prevention of any outbreak,” the official stated.