The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) has confirmed that the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has now spread across four major districts in Nepal. Since the first detection in Morang on March 18, the virus has moved into Sunsari, Jhapa, and Chitwan, prompting a massive emergency response from agricultural authorities.
As of the latest data released today, a total of 113,608 birds—primarily chickens and ducks—have been culled to contain the surge. Additionally, authorities have destroyed 211,867 eggs and over 25,000 kg of poultry feed across 23 affected farms.
Regional Impact and Containment
According to DLS Information Officer Dr. Indira Sharma, the outbreak is currently most severe in the following areas:
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Sunsari: The hardest-hit district with 12 poultry farms confirmed infected.
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Morang: 8 farms affected (where the outbreak originated in Sundarharaicha and Urlabari).
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Jhapa: 2 farms affected.
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Chitwan: 1 farm confirmed.
“We are mobilizing rapid response teams across all three tiers of government to ensure the infection does not bridge into neighboring districts,” Sharma stated. In some areas, such as the Tribhuvan University premises in Kathmandu, the virus has also been detected in wild crows, raising concerns about wider environmental transmission.
Causes and Biosecurity Lapses
Veterinary experts have identified several factors contributing to this year’s rapid spread:
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Wild Bird Contact: Many affected farms have tall trees nearby, serving as habitats for wild birds that may carry the virus.
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Wetland Proximity: The proximity of farms to water bodies has facilitated transmission between domestic and migratory species.
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Logistical Failures: Uncontrolled movement of vehicles between farms, reuse of unsterilized egg crates, and a lack of standard biosecurity protocols have accelerated the outbreak.
Relief for Farmers
The government has announced that affected poultry farmers will receive financial assistance under the Criteria for Providing Relief for Items Destroyed During Bird Flu Control, 2022.
Under this provision, farmers are eligible for compensation covering up to 75% of the market value of the destroyed items. This process is being coordinated by rate-fixation committees led by the respective Chief District Officers (CDOs).
Health officials have urged the public to ensure poultry products are thoroughly cooked and to report any unusual bird deaths immediately. While human transmission of H5N1 is rare, it can be fatal, and authorities are maintaining high vigilance following Nepal’s last recorded human fatality in 2019.