Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma. Subramanian on Tuesday (February 10, 2026) warned the public to be careful after the H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) virus was found in samples collected from a dead crow in Chennai. The Public Health Department is on high alert following advisories from the Union government about bird flu.
Speaking to the media at the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Specialty Hospital in Chennai, Mr. Subramanian advised people to avoid eating undercooked or half-boiled eggs and chicken. He said that all poultry products should be cooked thoroughly at high temperatures to kill any viruses.
The Health Minister also warned that poultry found dead due to illness should never be eaten. Such birds should be buried deep underground immediately to stop the infection from spreading.
Authorities are taking extra precautions and monitoring the situation closely to prevent any outbreak among humans. People are urged to follow these safety guidelines and report any sick or dead birds to local authorities.