Nepal is confronting a significant surge in bird flu cases, prompting the culling of more than 596,000 poultry and the closure of its only zoo, according to agriculture ministry officials on Tuesday. The outbreak, which began on March 18, has spread across 11 districts, with the Katmandu Valley experiencing the most severe impact.
Widespread Culling and Egg Destruction
Government livestock officials have overseen the widespread slaughter of chickens and other domestic birds, along with the destruction of over one million eggs. Umesh Dahal, director general at the Department of Livestock Services, confirmed that cases have been recorded in 11 districts, including three in the Katmandu Valley. Authorities suspect that crows may be spreading the disease. “We are concerned, because crows have been found dead from infections,” Dahal said. “Controlling their movement is extremely difficult, since they live in the wild.”
Zoo Closure Amid Animal Infections
The zoo in the capital, Katmandu, was closed earlier in June for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic. Zoo spokesperson Ganesh Koirala reported that several birds and animals have been infected, including civet cats and birds such as owls, vultures, and pigeons, which have died. “The zoo has been closed for an indefinite time, until the virus is under control,” Koirala told AFP.
Historical Context and Human Impact
Nepal’s first outbreak of bird flu occurred in January 2009. The H5 strain has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry and wild birds worldwide. However, no human deaths from bird flu have been reported in Nepal. The current outbreak highlights ongoing challenges in controlling the virus, particularly its spread by wild birds.
