Nepal Bird Flu Outbreak

Bird flu had affected 162 poultry farms across Nepal over four months, and the government said it had paid more than Rs507 million in compensation to farmers and farms. Authorities also reported more than 835,000 birds culled along with eggs and feed as outbreaks declined but risks remained.

No new bird flu cases have been reported in Nepal since July 17, indicating that the outbreak affecting 11 districts is nearing control. Government actions included culling over 835,000 poultry and providing financial relief to affected farmers to mitigate economic impacts.

Bird flu has been detected at over 140 locations across 11 districts in Nepal, leading to the destruction of large quantities of poultry, eggs, and feed as part of outbreak containment efforts. Public information clarified that thoroughly cooked chicken and eggs are safe to consume, and human infections remain rare without evidence of human-to-human transmission.

House crows infected with bird flu have died in Kirtipur and Taudaha areas of Kathmandu, highlighting their role as a significant vector in spreading both H5N1 and H9N2 viruses across Kathmandu Valley. This raises concerns about zoonotic transmission and underlines the need for enhanced surveillance and prevention strategies.

Bird flu is rapidly spreading in Kathmandu, severely affecting dozens of poultry farms. Infected crows have been identified as the main carriers transmitting highly pathogenic H5N1 and low pathogenic H9N2 viruses to chickens and ducks, raising public health concerns due to known human risks from H5N1.

The bird flu outbreak in Nepal has led to the culling of over 596,000 poultry and destruction of more than a million eggs across 11 districts, with severe impact in Kathmandu Valley leading to the closure of the capital's only zoo.

Labour shortages and low pay for culling work have slowed the removal of infected poultry at 58 farms in Kathmandu Valley and Kavrepalanchowk, hindering efforts to contain the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu outbreak. This delay increases risks to poultry, humans, and other species amid ongoing spread in these districts.

Authorities culled over 40,000 ducks and layer chickens in Kavrepalanchok district as bird flu spread continued in Kathmandu Valley, with intensified surveillance and containment efforts to mitigate further outbreaks.

Recurring bird flu outbreaks have severely disrupted Nepal's poultry sector during the peak chick-raising season, leading to fears of chicken meat and egg shortages ahead of upcoming festivals. Over 569,000 birds and nearly one million eggs have been destroyed due to disease control efforts, causing demand declines amid consumer concerns.

Livestock department identified crows as the primary vectors spreading bird flu across Kathmandu Valley, impacting nearly 100 poultry farms in 11 districts and complicating containment measures due to prolonged virus viability in crows.

Authorities intensified bird flu surveillance across Kathmandu Valley, deploying technical teams and increasing monitoring efforts at nearly 100 poultry farms across 11 districts. Over 48,000 chickens were culled in Bhaktapur following fresh outbreaks, contributing to approximately 570,000 birds affected since March.

Bird flu has spread to 11 districts in Nepal with about 600,000 poultry birds, 989,313 eggs, and 195,485 kilograms of feed culled to contain the virus. Farmers face losses worth hundreds of millions of rupees, but compensation payments are delayed due to government budget shortages.

Authorities culled over 48,000 chickens in Bhaktapur district following confirmed bird flu outbreaks at poultry farms as part of intensified control measures in Kathmandu Valley, where nearly 570,000 birds have been affected since March.

During the week of June 15 to 21, dengue, scrub typhus, and kala-azar cases continued across multiple provinces in Nepal, coinciding with the advancing monsoon season. This ongoing public health challenge occurred alongside steady influenza and gastrointestinal illnesses, adding strain to health resources.

Experts warned that bird flu is rapidly spreading in Kathmandu Valley and other districts of Nepal, advising people to avoid contact with sick birds and to thoroughly cook meat and eggs to prevent infection. It was noted that the virus can transmit to humans through infected birds but does not easily spread between people, and that cooked products from healthy birds are safe to consume.

The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel was closed for two weeks after avian influenza A(H5N1) was detected in various bird species and some mammals, to prevent further spread of the virus within the Kathmandu Valley.

Bird flu spread extensively in Kathmandu Valley districts—Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktpur—leading to destruction of over 600,000 chickens and more than 1 million eggs. Chicken meat consumption in the valley declined by 20 to 30 percent amid public fear.

The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel was closed indefinitely after bird flu was confirmed among various birds and animals, including egrets, owls, vultures, civets, and leopard cats, resulting in the death of around eight to ten animals. This extended closure aims to strengthen biosecurity and protect public health.

Bird flu (H5N1) was confirmed at a commercial chicken farm in Khairhani Municipality-1, Chitwan, leading to culling of 38,200 chickens along with 1,405 crates of eggs and 12 tons of feed to contain the infection. The farm was subsequently cleaned and sealed to prevent further spread.

The highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus rapidly spread across 10 districts in Nepal, impacting 55 farms and forcing culling of over 479,000 birds. This outbreak threatens the Rs 60 billion poultry industry and affects over 63,000 workers in the rural economy.