KATHMANDU – Bird flu has spread rapidly across the Kathmandu Valley over the past three months, raising concerns among authorities in Nepal.
According to the Department of Livestock Services, avian influenza (H5N1) has so far been confirmed at 82 locations across 11 districts. Special precautionary measures have been implemented in the affected areas to contain the outbreak.
The outbreak was first detected in Morang on March 17, 2026. Since then, it has spread to Jhapa, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Kavrepalanchok.
Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Dr.Umesh Dahal said that a total of 569,858 birds have been culled as part of the disease control efforts. In addition, 989,313 eggs and 1,954.85 quintals of poultry feed have been destroyed.
To control the outbreak, the department has established a Bird Flu Control Unit under the leadership of its Deputy Director General. The unit has been coordinating with federal, provincial and local governments while deploying technical teams to the affected areas.
According to the department, the outbreak has already been brought under control in Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari in Koshi Province as well as in Bara, Mahottari, Chitwan and Nawalparasi. However, infections are still being reported in some areas of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchok, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance, Dr. Dahal said.
The department also said it has begun genome sequencing of the virus in collaboration with the National Public Health Laboratory to determine whether the virus has undergone any genetic mutation.
The department has urged poultry farmers to strictly follow biosecurity measures at their farms, avoid reusing old egg crates, thoroughly disinfect vehicles before allowing them to enter farms and prevent contact between domestic poultry and wild birds.
It has also requested farmers and traders to obtain mandatory veterinary certificates when transporting poultry and poultry products, ensure regular vaccination and immediately report any unusual illness or deaths among birds to the nearest livestock service office.
