Apr 03, Kathmandu - In response to the bird flu outbreak, approximately 85,000 poultry birds have been culled in three districts of Koshi Province, Nepal.

According to Dr. Gangaram Yadav, Senior Animal Development Officer at the Department of Animal and Fishery Development in Biratnagar, the culling was carried out on 22 commercial farms across the affected districts after confirming H5N1 bird flu infection. Out of 14 districts in the province, Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari are experiencing the spread of the virus.

Dr. Yadav explained that bird flu has been detected in 8 farms in Morang, 2 in Jhapa, and 12 in Sunsari. The cull involved 70,000 layer chickens, 7,000 broiler parent stock, 1,000 broilers, 4,000 chicks, and 2,325 local breed chickens. Along with the poultry, 57 ducks, 227,000 eggs, and 28,000 kilograms of feed were destroyed.

To prevent further spread, the department has imposed strict restrictions on the movement of birds and poultry products around the affected farms and halted imports and exports of bird-related items.

The department has also increased surveillance in other districts and is strictly monitoring the transportation of poultry and poultry products from infected areas. Because the H5N1 virus poses a risk of transmission from birds to humans, the department has urged the public to remain vigilant and cautious.