Kathmandu: The government has intensified emergency measures to contain the spread of bird flu following outbreaks in several parts of the country. According to the Department of Animal Services, approximately 515,000 birds from 72 farms in 10 districts have been culled after infections were confirmed.

Director General Dr. Umesh Dahal said that layer chickens and local poultry breeds have been the most affected. As part of disease-control efforts, Rapid Response Teams have also destroyed around 700,000 eggs and 183 tons of poultry feed from infected areas.
The outbreak, initially detected in Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari, has gradually spread to Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and most recently Nawalparasi.

While authorities report that the disease has largely been brought under control in Chitwan and several other affected areas, the Kathmandu Valley remains at high risk. Officials have urged poultry farmers and traders to remain vigilant and strictly follow biosecurity measures.

“There is no specific cure for bird flu. The most effective way to control the disease is to prevent its spread by quickly eliminating infected birds and contaminated products,” said Dr. Dahal. He added that veterinarians and animal health workers are working continuously to contain the outbreak.

Under existing regulations, poultry farmers in affected areas can resume operations only after a mandatory waiting period of about two months following the destruction of infected poultry and related products.

The government has also announced compensation support for affected farmers. According to the Bird Flu Control Regulations, 2078, farmers whose poultry or poultry products are destroyed during disease-control operations are eligible to receive compensation equivalent to 75 percent of the assessed cost price. The final compensation amount will be determined based on local market valuations in each district.

Officials have called on poultry farmers, traders, and consumers to cooperate with health and veterinary authorities to prevent further spread of the disease and minimize its economic impact on the poultry sector.