The poultry industry in Koshi Province is reeling from its most severe crisis in years as a highly pathogenic bird flu (H5N1) outbreak has forced the culling of over 227,000 chickens. The scale of the destruction has caused direct financial losses estimated at more than Rs. 500 million in the past month alone.
The Outbreak and Response
The infection, which initially surfaced in mid-March in the Morang district, has rapidly spread across three key districts: Sunsari, Morang, and Jhapa.
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Sunsari Poultry Farm: The largest facility in the province, located in Ramdhuni, is currently culling 155,000 chickens.
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Purwanchal Group Farm: In Budhiganga, Morang, approximately 72,000 birds are being destroyed.
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Method of Control: A massive task force of over 110 workers has been deployed to carry out the culling humanely. The birds are being buried in deep pits treated with lime and bleaching powder to prevent environmental contamination.
Economic Impact and Farmer Grievances
The timing of the outbreak has been devastating, hitting during a peak production period. Beyond the loss of livestock, authorities have destroyed over 211,000 eggs and 25,000 kg of feed.
Farmers are expressing deep frustration over the lack of immediate support. While legal provisions allow for up to 75% government compensation, procedural delays and a limited state budget have left many without a safety net. Furthermore, private insurance companies have reportedly refused to cover losses stemming from the bird flu, leaving both large commercial enterprises and small-scale farmers on the brink of bankruptcy.
Preventative Measures
To contain the spread, the administration has:
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Sealed affected areas and imposed strict bans on the movement of poultry products.
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Identified wild birds and poor farm biosecurity (such as proximity to wetlands and tall trees) as primary vectors for the virus.
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Urged the public to ensure poultry meat is cooked thoroughly, as the H5N1 strain remains a zoonotic risk.
Veterinary experts warned that the “low-pathogenic” strain has now transformed into a “highly pathogenic” form, making the current containment efforts the most challenging in recent history.