Bird Flu Spreads to Kathmandu Valley as Outbreak Affects 55 Farms Across Nepal

Bird flu (H5N1), which first emerged in Morang in Chaitra, has now spread to the Kathmandu Valley, raising concerns among poultry farmers and health authorities.

According to the Department of Livestock Services, the outbreak, first detected on Chaitra 4 in Sundarharaicha-4 and Urlabari-8 of Morang, has so far been confirmed in 55 poultry farms across 10 districts.

Director General Dr. Umesh Dahal said that while the outbreak has largely been brought under control in other districts, new infections have recently been reported in the Kathmandu Valley. The virus has been detected in poultry farms located in Kirtipur, Gokarneshwar, Tarkeshwar, Godawari, Suryabinayak and Bhaktapur municipalities.

Dr. Dahal said both local and layer chicken breeds have been affected.

“Bird flu has mainly been found in poorly managed farms where biosecurity measures were not followed. Some affected farms are located near forest areas,” he said.

Earlier in Chaitra, bird flu was also confirmed in crows found dead in Kirtipur and the Taudaha area of Kathmandu.

A total of 13 farms in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur have been affected by the disease. In Kathmandu alone, authorities have culled 39,481 chickens from eight farms. Additionally, 63,854 eggs and 21,500 kilograms of poultry feed have been destroyed.

In Bhaktapur, 417 chickens from two farms have been culled. In Lalitpur, authorities destroyed 9,730 chickens, 3,150 eggs and 3,700 kilograms of feed from three affected farms.

According to department data up to Jestha 18, Sunsari recorded the highest number of affected poultry farms, with 23 cases. Morang reported 11 affected farms, followed by four in Jhapa. Single outbreaks were also recorded in Chitwan, Nawalparasi West, Bara and Mahottari.

The latest figures show that 479,156 chickens and ducks have been culled nationwide. Authorities have also destroyed 694,193 eggs and 182,775 kilograms of poultry feed as part of containment measures.

Dr. Dahal said that once infections are confirmed, poultry, eggs and feed are immediately destroyed and farms disinfected.

“The most effective way to prevent the spread of bird flu is strict biosecurity. We have also found that some farms reused egg crates without proper disinfection,” he said.

He urged farmers to restrict unnecessary entry of people and vehicles into poultry farms.

Factors Behind the Spread

The Department of Livestock Services has identified several possible factors contributing to the outbreak.

According to officials, tall trees near poultry farms provide resting places for wild birds, which may come into contact with domestic chickens and ducks and transmit the virus. Farms located near wetlands, weak biosecurity practices, uncontrolled movement of visitors and vehicles, reuse of egg crates without proper disinfection, and traders handling live poultry and poultry meat without adequate protective measures are also believed to have contributed to the spread.

Compensation for Farmers

Dr. Dahal said farmers whose poultry and related materials are destroyed during bird flu control operations are eligible for compensation under the government’s 2079 relief guidelines.

Compensation is determined based on market value. Under the policy, farmers can receive up to 75 percent of the assessed value of the destroyed poultry and materials, based on recommendations from a pricing committee chaired by the Chief District Officer.

Risks to Humans

Bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease affecting chickens, ducks and other birds. Veterinarians say the virus can spread through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated materials or waste. In rare cases, humans can also become infected.

Nepal first detected bird flu in Jhapa in 2009. Ten years later, in 2019, the country recorded its first human death linked to the virus. A 21-year-old man from Kavre died while undergoing treatment after developing symptoms including fever and cough.

Authorities have urged people to bury dead birds as quickly as possible and seek immediate medical attention if workers involved in poultry farming develop health problems.

How to Protect Yourself

• Avoid touching sick or dead birds.
• Avoid direct contact with birds.
• Do not touch bird droppings.
• Clean bird cages and feeding equipment daily.
• Wear masks and gloves when handling poultry.
• Cook poultry meat thoroughly before consumption.
• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat and eggs.
• Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.