KATHMANDU: The Department of Livestock Services has reported that approximately 700,000 poultry birds have been culled in 10 districts following confirmation of avian influenza cases.
The H5N1 virus has been detected in districts including Kathmandu Valley and several other parts of the country, such as Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
According to Director General Dr. Umesh Dahal, around 300,000 kilograms of poultry feed have also been destroyed as part of containment measures. A rapid response team has been deployed to prevent further spread of the virus.
He said that no vaccine for bird flu is currently available in the country, and culling infected and at-risk poultry remains the primary method of controlling transmission.
Similarly, around 1.1 million eggs have been destroyed since the outbreak began a few weeks ago. The department has stated that compensation will be provided to affected farmers in accordance with existing regulations, in coordination with provincial governments.
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