Government Intensifies Bird Flu Control Efforts, Over 515,000 Birds Culled in 10 Districts
The government has stepped up emergency measures to contain the spread of bird flu, culling more than 515,000 birds across 72 farms in 10 affected districts.
The government has launched emergency response measures to control the spread of bird flu and prevent the disease from expanding into new areas.
According to Dr. Umesh Dahal, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, approximately 515,000 birds from 72 poultry farms in 10 affected districts have been culled after bird flu infections were confirmed.
Layer chickens and indigenous poultry breeds have been among the most affected categories.
Dr. Dahal said that the government's Rapid Response Team has also destroyed around 7 million eggs and 183 tons of poultry feed as part of disease containment efforts.
The outbreak was first detected a few weeks ago in Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts before spreading to Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and most recently Nawalparasi.
"There is no treatment for bird flu. The only effective approach is to contain the disease immediately after detection and prevent further spread. That is why destroying infected poultry products remains necessary," Dr. Dahal said.
He added that veterinarians and animal health workers have been working around the clock to control the outbreak.
Authorities have identified the Kathmandu Valley as a high-risk area, while the disease is reported to be largely under control in Chitwan and several other regions.
To prevent reinfection, regulations require that poultry businesses in affected areas remain closed for approximately two months after the destruction of all poultry-related products before operations can resume.
Under the Bird Flu Control Regulation, 2078, farmers whose poultry and related products are destroyed during disease control operations are entitled to compensation equivalent to 75 percent of the production cost.
According to the Department of Livestock Services, compensation rates may vary by district and are determined through decisions made by local authorities, including the Chief District Officer and other concerned officials.
The government has urged poultry farmers to immediately report any suspected cases and comply with biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of further outbreaks.