KATHMANDU: Gokarneshwor Municipality has urged residents and poultry farmers to remain on high alert after cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) were confirmed in several wards of the municipality.
In a public notice issued on Monday, the municipality said bird flu infections had been detected in wards 2, 3, and 4, prompting intensified efforts to control the outbreak by destroying infected birds, poultry feed, and related materials in the affected areas.
According to the notice, ducks, chickens, quails, and other birds, along with eggs and feed found in the infected zones, are being safely destroyed and buried in pits, while disinfection measures are also being carried out in the area.
To prevent the spread of the disease, the municipality has restricted unnecessary entry of people and vehicles into poultry farms. It has also made disinfection mandatory for anyone required to enter such premises.
The municipality has instructed that workers from one poultry farm should not visit another farm and that used egg crates should not be reused. Farmers have also been directed to place lime or disinfectant footbaths at farm entrances.
Likewise, poultry farmers have been advised to use separate boots and aprons while entering sheds and to disinfect poultry houses on a daily basis.
The municipality has also urged farmers to prevent animals such as dogs, cats, and rats from entering poultry farm premises and to immediately bury dead birds safely.
Residents have been informed that veterinary certification is mandatory for transporting poultry products and that meat and egg products should only be consumed after being thoroughly cooked.
The municipality further requested the public to immediately contact the nearest livestock service office or local authority if large numbers of birds are found sick or dead in any area.
Comment