Bird flu on the rise in Kathmandu: Infection confirmed in 82 locations across 11 districts

KATHMANDU:- The bird flu (H-5N-1) infection that has been seen in the Kathmandu Valley for the last three months is now spreading rapidly.

According to the Department of Animal Services, the infection has been confirmed in 82 places in 11 districts so far, and special vigilance has been adopted in the affected areas to control the disease.

After the bird flu was first confirmed in Morang on Chaitra 4, 2082 BS, the infection has spread to Jhapa, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Kavrepalanchok.

According to Dr. Umesh Dahal, Director General of the Department of Animal Services, 569,858 birds have been destroyed so far in the course of infection control. He informed that 989,313 eggs and 1,954.85 quintals of grain have also been destroyed.

To control the disease, the Department of Animal Services has established a ‘Bird Flu Disease Control Cell’ under the leadership of the Deputy Director General and has mobilized technical teams in the affected areas in coordination with the federal, provincial and local levels.

According to the department, the infection has been brought under control in Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari in Koshi Province, as well as Bara, Mahottari, Chitwan and Nawalparasi. However, special surveillance has been increased as infections are still being seen in some areas of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchok, informed Director General Dr. Dahal.

The department stated that the process of viral gene sequencing has been initiated in collaboration with the National Public Health Laboratory to ascertain whether or not any genetic changes (mutations) have occurred in the infecting virus.

The department has urged poultry farmers to strictly adhere to biosecurity standards at their farms, refrain from reusing old egg crates, ensure transport vehicles are thoroughly disinfected before entering the farm premises, and prevent contact between domestic and wild birds.

Similarly, the department has requested that it is mandatory to obtain a veterinary certificate when transporting poultry and poultry products, to get regular vaccinations, and to immediately inform the nearest animal services office if an unusually large number of birds are sick or dead on any farm.