Technical Teams Deployed Across Kathmandu Valley As Bird Flu Spreads To Nearly 100 Poultry Farms

The Department of Livestock Services has deployed technical teams across Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas to prevent the spread of bird flu, after infections were confirmed in nearly 100 poultry farms across 11 districts. The move comes as authorities intensify monitoring, testing, and disease control efforts in high-risk areas, including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and Kavre, where the risk of further transmission remains high.

According to Director General Dr Umesh Dahal, the outbreak began around three months ago and has gradually spread to multiple districts. The department has increased surveillance through regular laboratory testing and has prioritised control measures in areas considered most vulnerable to the disease.

Bird flu infections have already been confirmed in poultry farms located in Chandragiri, Kirtipur, Tokha, Tarkeshwar, Godawari, Changunarayan, and Suryabinayak. Authorities have destroyed infected birds, eggs, and feed in affected farms to prevent the virus from spreading further. Farmers have also been advised not to introduce new chicks into farms for approximately six weeks.

Officials say bird flu remains highly contagious and currently has no effective treatment or widely used preventive vaccine for poultry. Because of this, culling infected birds remains the primary method of controlling outbreaks and reducing transmission risks.

The department has also warned that bird flu can potentially spread to humans in certain situations, urging poultry farmers, workers, and consumers to remain cautious. Authorities have formed Bird Flu Coordination Committees at both the central and district levels to strengthen response efforts and improve coordination among agencies.

To support affected farmers, the government has arranged compensation of up to 75 percent of the production cost for birds, eggs, and feed destroyed during disease control operations. Officials hope the compensation scheme will encourage farmers to report infections quickly and cooperate with containment measures.