Heightened Precautions at Indian Border Following Bird Flu Threat in Nepalgunj, Banke

In Nepalgunj, Banke, the discovery of a bird flu threat has led to a ban on the import of chicks and white eggs from India. The Animal Quarantine Office is destroying 20 to 25 Indian broilers daily. The government is enforcing strict regulations on domestic transport and conducting awareness programs in open border areas. March 30, Nepalgunj.
Due to the detected risk of bird flu in Nepalgunj and surrounding open border areas of Banke, heightened vigilance measures have been implemented. Dr. Hareram Yadav, head of the Animal Quarantine Office in Banke, reported that chicks illegally brought from India through border points connected to the district are being destroyed on a daily basis. He confirmed that bird flu has not been detected in the area and emphasized that the import of chicks and white eggs has been prohibited. He noted, “People try to bring chicks and eggs across the open border zones, but they abandon them and flee when spotted by police.”
The government has imposed a complete ban on bringing chicks or white eggs from India into Nepal. Dr. Yadav also mentioned that there is strict monitoring and enforcement on internal transport as well as on poultry import and export. According to the Animal Quarantine Office, 20 to 25 Indian broilers are destroyed in the district each day. He added, “Clear directives have come from higher authorities, and we are fully alert. Bird flu risks have been identified particularly in the open border areas adjoining the Terai region.” The office regularly conducts public awareness programs, Dr. Yadav said. Senior Animal Development Officer Dr. Ganesh Bahadur Pun of the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Service Expert Center, Nepalgunj, confirmed that high-level precautions are being maintained in chick imports. The district has several open border points, including Suia, Bagauda, Khadaicha, and Jamunah.