KATHMANDU: The Department of Livestock Services has directed poultry businesses not to sell or distribute chickens, ducks, quails, or other birds infected with avian influenza (bird flu), warning that violators will face legal action.
Department spokesperson Dr. Mukul Upadhyay urged businesses not to compromise public health, stating that anyone found selling infected birds or their products would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
According to the department, the bird flu virus, which has spread to 11 districts since mid-March, poses a risk of mutation, prompting authorities to maintain a high level of vigilance.
Technical teams have been deployed in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavrepalanchok, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi to contain the outbreak.
The department said Rapid Response Teams are actively working in the affected districts to control the spread of the disease, adding that the outbreak is already under control in some areas.
It also urged the public to exercise caution while disposing of dead or infected birds, warning that improper handling or disposal could increase the risk of transmission to humans.
According to the department, around 700,000 birds, 1.1 million eggs, and 300,000 kilograms of poultry feed have been destroyed in the 11 affected districts so far.
Dr. Upadhyay said there is currently no effective vaccine against bird flu, making the culling of infected birds and poultry products the most effective method of controlling the disease once an outbreak is confirmed.
The department added that district administration offices in the affected areas are assessing the value of the culled birds and preparing official records, while the necessary details are being collected to provide compensation to affected farmers.
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