English
English
English
Nearly 50,000 chickens have died across several villages in Tamil Nadu (Img: Pinterest)
Cuddalore: A mysterious disease is spreading across several villages in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, resulting in the death of approximately 50,000 chickens over the last six days. This loss, occurring just before Diwali, has plunged poultry farmers into a severe crisis.
The sudden death of the chickens has placed an increased financial burden on the farmers. They are now struggling to save the remaining birds and recover the capital they invested in their farms.
Mohan, a poultry farmer in Cuddalore, stated that he lost about 7,000 chickens in just one week. Many other farmers have also suffered heavy losses, putting both their livelihoods and their poultry businesses at risk , according to the reports.
The situation has been further compounded by the observation of unusual symptoms in the chickens; many were found dead with their legs stretched backward and their wings fully extended.
This disease has exacerbated the financial hardships faced by poultry farmers, many of whom rely entirely on poultry farming for their livelihood. They have already invested significant amounts of money in chicks, feed, and farm maintenance. A single chick costs approximately Rs 47 -48, while a 50-kg bag of poultry feed costs between Rs 2,500 and Rs 2,600. Electricity bills alone can range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.
Mohan mentioned that he had invested around Rs 40-50 lakh in his poultry business and is now struggling to recover from the losses caused by this disease. The possibility of bird flu has been ruled out, and further investigation is underway.
Also Read: Suhana Sings Ed Sheeran’s Fast Rap, SRK’s Reaction Wins Hearts
According to a senior district administration official, initial lab reports have ruled out the possibility of 'avian influenza' (commonly known as bird flu). However, the actual cause behind the mass mortality of the chickens remains unknown.
The Tamil Nadu government has sent additional samples including feed and water to specialized laboratories, such as the one in Bhopal, for further investigation. Officials are currently awaiting the results of these tests to identify the disease and take appropriate measures to contain it. These sudden deaths have plunged poultry farmers into a severe economic crisis; they are now struggling to save their remaining stock and recover the capital invested in their farms.
