Tamil Nadu deploys an AI-based image processing technique to monitor and notify poultry irregularities to detect bird flu. Vaidyanathan G from Vickram college of engineering, Madurai, developed this technology in 2008-09.  

After implementing this solution on a small number of poultry farms, it expanded to a large number of farms. Low-cost cameras are installed in poultry farms to continually monitor and capture images at 30-60 frames per second. Furthermore, these images are contrasted using an AI-based image processing algorithm to detect the actions of ill or dead chickens. Researchers worldwide appreciate this initiative by Vaidyanathan, and he has received recognition at several major conferences.  

This solution gained momentum as it began to have a more significant impact and better outcomes in detecting sick chickens. The low-cost AI technology, which more than 150+ poultry farms are now using, is becoming well known. In the light of the fear of bird flu spreading again, this model is gaining popularity again. 

Several people who eat chicken are affected by bird flu, also called avian influenza. States like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have issued a 15-day ban on the sale of chicken and eggs. Kerala has declared the bird flu epidemic a state catastrophe. In Kottayam’s Neendoor panchayat, it has been established that over 1650 ducks in a farm area perched this sickness, boosting the disease’s spread.  

Tamil Nadu boasts about 120,000 of India’s approximately 300,000 poultry farms. This sector contributes to One-third of India’s poultry revenue. Using this AI-driven approach, the state detects dead or sick chickens in flocks and automatically segregates the animals. Several small-scale farms in the state are using this technique today. 

To help the business, Vaidyanathan has used this technology open-source (no license), making it accessible to everyone. China, Taiwan and Japan have already begun using this technology, and there is an ongoing study in this field as a basis for further development. 

In India, Tamil Nadu is preparing to be the nation’s poultry safe state by utilizing suitable technology and healthcare measures.