Bird flu infection: 40,000 ducks and chickens destroyed in Kavre

BANEPA:- More than 40,000 ducks and chickens have been culled in Kavre so far due to bird flu infection.

The District Livestock Services Office, Dhulikhel, reported that 40,729 commercially raised ducks and layer chickens were culled after birds began dying in large numbers due to the infection over the past few weeks.

Dr. Bajrakishor Thakur, senior veterinarian at the office, informed that ducks and chickens were destroyed after bird flu infection was detected in some poultry farms in Wards No. 6 and 13 of Banepa Municipality and Wards No. 7, 8 and 9 of Panauti Municipality. According to him, the initial conclusion has been drawn that the infection has spread further through crows and other wild birds due to the tendency of throwing dead chickens and ducks indiscriminately in rivers, bushes and other open places. Senior veterinarian Thakur said that the office has intensified testing, management and transportation control work to control the infection.

It is said that the infection rate is increasing due to the failure of provincial and local levels to take necessary steps in a timely manner, especially due to the delay in receiving laboratory test results. Emphasizing the need for strict implementation of biosecurity standards in commercial poultry farms, Thakur urged people to prevent unnecessary entry into chicken coops, adopt safety measures if entry is necessary, keep coops and equipment clean regularly, and follow complete hygiene standards while transporting chickens.

It is said that surveillance and control of poultry being transported illegally and without testing has been tightened at the Nala, Roshi and Khawa check posts in the district. Earlier, in April, it was decided to adopt high alertness in Kavre and Sindhupalchowk to prevent the risk of bird flu infection. It was reported that security measures are being tightened in these two districts, considering the possibility of a risk after bird flu infection was detected in chickens raised in some parts of the country.