LALITPUR, June 27: Bird flu (H5N1) is spreading rapidly across the country, with infections confirmed in 82 locations across 11 districts, including parts of the Kathmandu Valley, according to the Department of Livestock Services (DoLS).
The outbreak, which was first detected in Morang on March 18, has now reached Jhapa, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and Kavrepalanchok. Authorities have intensified surveillance and containment efforts in the affected areas as the virus continues to emerge in new locations.
So far, 569,858 birds have been culled, while nearly one million eggs and more than 195 metric tons of poultry feed have been destroyed to contain the spread, said Dr Umesh Dahal, director general of the DoLS.
Bird flu spreads to 82 locations in 11 districts; Kathmandu Val...
The Department has formed a dedicated “Bird Flu Disease Control Unit” led by a deputy director general and mobilized technical teams in coordination with federal, provincial, and local authorities.
The outbreak has been brought under control in Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari of Koshi Province, along with Bara, Mahottari, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi. However, fresh cases continue to appear in some areas of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kavrepalanchok, prompting officials to increase monitoring, Dr Dahal said.
The DoLS has begun genome sequencing of the virus in coordination with the National Public Health Laboratory to determine whether the virus has undergone any genetic changes.
Authorities have urged poultry farmers to strictly follow biosecurity measures, avoid reusing old egg crates, disinfect vehicles entering farms, and prevent contact between domestic poultry and wild birds.
Farmers have also been advised to obtain veterinary certificates while transporting poultry products, maintain regular vaccination, and immediately report unusual illness or deaths among birds to the nearest livestock service office.
