Kathmandu Valley Remains Vulnerable To Bird Flu

Kirtipur (Kathmandu), June 9: The government has implemented emergency measures to control bird flu infection in the affected areas, preventing its further spread.

According to Dr Umesh Dahal, the Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, some 515,000 fowls from 72 farms in 10 districts across the country have been destroyed. As of now, the detection of H5N1 virus has been confirmed in 10 districts. Layer chickens and local breed poultry have been most affected by the infection.

As part of the government's response, rapid response teams have been mobilised, and 700,000 eggs and 183 tonnes of poultry feed have been destroyed in recent weeks.

According to Dr Dahal, the virus that was detected in Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari a few weeks ago, has recently spread to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Nawalparasi via Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan.

The virus is incurable and the most effective way to address the situation is to implement the measures for containment and further prevention as early as possible. "There lies no alternative to destroying infected poultry and poultry products," he said. Veterinary doctors and livestock health workers are working around the clock to address the situation.

Lately, the Kathmandu Valley has been considered particularly vulnerable to the further spread of the virus, although the situation is now largely control in Chitwan and other parts of the country.

Owners of the affected farms are allowed to resume production only after two months of the destruction of the entire fowls and poultry products.

Under the Bird Flu Control Rules -2078 BS, affected farmers are entitled to receive compensation amounting to 75 percent of their production costs which may vary by district. The compensation rates will be determined by a meeting of senior officials, including the respective Chief District Officer, it is said.