Nepal culls 515,000 birds to control bird flu spread across 10 districts

The government has initiated emergency measures to control bird flu in affected areas and prevent its spread elsewhere.

Dr. Umesh Dahal, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, reported that around 515,000 birds from 72 farms in 10 districts have been culled where the disease has been confirmed. The most affected are layer chickens and local breeds. According to government directives, the rapid response team has also destroyed 700,000 eggs and 183 tons of feed.

Dahal noted that after bird flu was detected in Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts a few weeks ago, it spread to Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, and later to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and most recently, Nawalparasi.

“There is no cure for this. The only solution is to control it as quickly as possible once detected to prevent its spread. Therefore, there is no alternative to destroying poultry products. Veterinarians and animal health workers are working tirelessly for disease control,” he stated.

Currently, the Kathmandu Valley is at risk of bird flu. However, in Chitwan and other parts of the country, the disease is nearly under control, according to Paudel.

To prevent further infection, it is mandated that poultry production in affected areas can only resume approximately two months after all poultry products have been destroyed.

As per the Bird Flu Control Regulations, 2078, farmers whose poultry products are destroyed are entitled to 75% compensation of the production cost. Since costs may vary by district, decisions are made by a meeting of the Chief District Officer and other senior officials, as explained by Director General Dahal.