KATHMANDU: The Department of Livestock Services has stated that the spread of bird flu across Kathmandu Valley has been largely linked to infected crows carrying the virus from one location to another.
According to Dr Umesh Dahal, Director General at the Department, bird flu detected in crows has contributed significantly to transmission across the Valley including in the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur.
While outbreaks in poultry can be contained through targeted measures, controlling the disease among crows remains difficult, he mentioned. “Bird flu in poultry can be brought under control but infected crows cannot be effectively controlled.”
Bird flu is a disease caused by avain influenza A viruses that usually infect birds.
He explained that infected crows could carry the virus as they move between places, and the infection may remain active in crows for up to 21 days, increasing the risk of transmission.
Dr Dahal noted that dead crows often go unnoticed and can continue spreading the virus, while crow droppings also pose a significant transmission risk.
Bird flu cases have been detected across all three districts of the Kathmandu Valley. Nationwide, infections have been reported at around 100 locations in 11 districts at present.
Dr Dahal informed that outbreak has been brought under control in most parts of the Valley except Kirtipur and Gokarneshwor-Kageshwori Manohara areas.
He urged the public to remain cautious following the detection of bird flu among crows.
The Department has established a Bird Flu Control Unit under the leadership of its Deputy Director General and has been carrying out containment efforts in coordination with three-tier governments in affected areas.
The Department is also taking preventive measures against the infection in the high-risk areas.
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