Bird flu outbreak triggers high alert in Eastern Nepal
Officials warn that the risk remains high, particularly as similar infections have already been reported in neighbouring districts such as Morang District and Sunsari District.
KATHMANDU: Authorities in Jhapa District have issued a high alert after a confirmed outbreak of bird flu in commercially raised poultry in Damak Municipality and Jhapa Rural Municipality.
In a public notice released on Tuesday, the District Administration Office said strict containment measures have been enforced, declaring affected zones as crisis areas.
The restrictions include a complete ban on the transportation of birds, eggs, feed, and other poultry-related products from the impacted localities to prevent further spread.
According to officials at the Veterinary Hospital in Jhapa, the highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza was confirmed in layer chickens at a commercial farm in Damak-10.
All infected birds at the facility were culled on Monday shortly after the detection.
Authorities say the situation could be more widespread.
Reports of poultry deaths have also emerged from nearby areas, including Mechinagar Municipality and Arjundhara Municipality, raising concerns about a broader outbreak.
Preliminary rapid tests on samples collected from farmers have returned positive results, and further confirmation through PCR testing is underway at a central laboratory.
Officials warn that the risk remains high, particularly as similar infections have already been reported in neighbouring districts such as Morang District and Sunsari District.
Authorities have urged farmers and the public to remain vigilant and comply with biosecurity measures as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.
