KATHMANDU: The Department of Livestock Services has warned that legal action will be taken against traders found selling or distributing poultry infected with avian influenza (bird flu), including chickens, ducks, quails and other birds.
Department spokesperson Dr. Mukul Upadhyay urged the public not to compromise public health, stating that strict action would be taken under the law if infected birds are found in the market.
The Department has also called for heightened vigilance, warning that the bird flu virus, which has spread to 11 districts since last Chaitra, could mutate if not effectively contained.
According to Dr. Upadhyay, teams of veterinary technicians have been mobilized in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavrepalanchok, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan and Nawalparasi to contain the outbreak.
Rapid Response Teams have also been deployed in the affected districts, and authorities say the situation is gradually being brought under control in some areas.
The Department has urged the public not to dispose of dead poultry indiscriminately and to avoid handling infected birds, warning that such practices could increase the risk of transmission to humans.
So far, around 700,000 birds, 1.1 million eggs and 300,000 kilograms of poultry feed have been destroyed in the 11 affected districts, including those in the Kathmandu Valley.
Dr. Upadhyay said there is currently no effective vaccine against the circulating strain of bird flu, making the immediate culling of infected birds and poultry products the only effective control measure. He added that the department is working with District Administration Offices to assess the losses, collect the necessary documentation and provide compensation to affected farmers.
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