TANUVAS probes deaths of crows reported in southern parts of city

Experts from the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) are examining samples from crow carcasses after reports of the birds being found dead in several parts of the city to find out the cause of death.

Residents in areas including Adyar, Velachery, and Neelankarai have reported spotting dead or dying crows over the past few days, raising concern among the public.

T.D. Babu, a resident of Adyar, said he noticed a crow in a dazed condition at his residence a few days back. “It was barely moving, and two days later, it was found dead,” he said.

Another resident, Namasivayam, said he first noticed a crow struggling to move on the ground at Indira Nagar park about two weeks ago. “I arranged for it to be given water. After returning to town four to five days ago, I saw many more crows — nearly half a dozen — some dead and others on the verge of dying. They appeared unwell, with their heads drooping,” he said.

Rohit Menon, a resident of Kapaleeswarar Nagar in Neelankarai, said he began noticing such crows dropping in his garden as early as November, during the rainy season. Initially, he believed the issue was localised. However, about two weeks ago, messages in his area’s WhatsApp group showed that other residents were witnessing similar incidents.

“The crows become grounded, and after a couple days, they die,” he said.

Concerned residents of Kapaleeswarar Nagar took one such sample to the Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary, which sent it to TANUVAS for examination. The Greater Chennai Corporation has also sent samples.

Sources at TANUVAS said initial post-mortem examinations were inconclusive. “We are testing for the presence of organophosphorous compounds, or rat poison, and also checking for possible infectious diseases,” a source said, adding that analysis of six specimens is currently under way. No final conclusion as to the cause of the deaths has been reached so far.

M. Jagadeesan, City Health Officer of the Greater Chennai Corporation, said the cause of the deaths will be determined soon, and if there is any risk to public health, an alert will be issued.