Bird flu detected at 82 locations in 11 districts

KATHMANDU: Highly contagious avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been detected at 82 locations across 11 districts of Nepal, according to the Department of Livestock Services (DoLS).

Dr Umesh Dahal, director general at the DoLS, said the outbreak, first reported in Morang district on March 18, has now spread to 82 sites in 11 districts.

Bird flu cases have been confirmed in Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Kavrepalanchok districts.

As of now, a total of 569,858 birds affected by the disease have been culled. According to the DoLS, 989,313 eggs and 195,485 kilograms of poultry feed have also been destroyed as part of containment efforts.

Dr Dahal said restrictions on the transportation of birds imposed in Koshi Province for one month to control the outbreak have now been eased after the situation came under control. He added that animal quarantine offices were on high alert and were conducting patrols to seize and destroy illegally imported birds suspected of carrying the disease.

The outbreak has been brought under control in Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts. However, cases of bird flu have recently been reported in parts of Kathmandu Valley’s three districts—Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur—as well as in Kavrepalanchok.

The DoLS has urged poultry farmers and the people in the Kathmandu Valley to adopt special precautions.

Dr Dahal said a Bird Flu Control Unit has been established under the leadership of the department’s deputy director general and is coordinating containment efforts in affected areas in collaboration with federal, provincial and local authorities.

The department has advised poultry farmers to strictly follow biosecurity measures, avoid reusing old paper egg trays, and disinfect vehicles before allowing them into farm premises. Farmers have also been urged to prevent wild birds, including crows, from accessing feed intended for domestic poultry.

(Translated from RSS)