The Department of Livestock Services has reported that approximately 500,000 domestic birds have been culled due to the bird flu outbreak affecting 10 districts, including the Kathmandu Valley. Among seven affected districts across four provinces, authorities have urged heightened caution particularly in poultry farming and the trade of poultry products. It is important to note that not all influenza viruses responsible for bird flu are pathogenic. Of the three influenza types, only two are classified under bird flu in Nepal.
Currently, Nepal is battling the ‘highly pathogenic’ H5N1 virus strain responsible for the bird flu outbreak. According to Dr. Navaraj Shrestha, Senior Veterinary Officer at the Department of Livestock Services, both H5N1 and H7N1 viruses fall under the bird flu classification in Nepal. The less pathogenic H9N1 strain is not considered bird flu because vaccines against it are available in Nepal. Experts emphasize that the highly pathogenic strains require the greatest vigilance. “The mortality rate in birds infected with H9N1 is low, and there is limited risk of transmission to humans,” explained Shishir Bhandari, a scientist with the National Agriculture Research Council.
Vaccines against less pathogenic strains are available domestically. Although vaccines for highly pathogenic viruses exist in India, the Department has clarified that no approval has been granted for their use in Nepal. Control measures prioritize management without vaccination. What about the risk to humans? Dr. Shrestha notes that the H5N1 virus, first documented to infect humans three decades ago, poses lower risk when poultry meat is thoroughly cooked. In 2019, Nepal confirmed a human death due to bird flu—a young man who worked as a poultry transport vehicle driver. “Studies show the fatality rate in humans can reach between 48 to 50 percent,” Dr. Shrestha said. “Farm workers are at highest risk; wearing masks, gloves, and protective footwear, and practicing hand and face hygiene after leaving the farm can greatly reduce risk.”
According to the Department of Livestock Services, Sunsari district has seen the highest number of confirmed bird flu cases. The Koshi Province’s Morang and Jhapa districts have also reported infections. Moreover, the Bagmati Province’s Chitwan along with Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur in the Kathmandu Valley have confirmed outbreaks. Bird flu has also been detected in Bara and Mahottari of Madhesh Province and Nawalparasi West in Lumbini Province. Department data reveals over 500,000 birds have been culled across 72 agricultural farms in these 10 districts. In the Kathmandu Valley, infections are predominantly found in indigenous and layer chicken groups rather than broilers. Dr. Shrestha attributes the outbreak largely to the reuse of infected egg crates and poor poultry management practices.
