Bird Flu Spreading Rapidly in Kathmandu Valley and Kavre; Crows Identified as Major Vectors

June 28, Kathmandu – Recently, avian influenza (bird flu) has been spreading rapidly in Kathmandu Valley and Kavrepalanchok. The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) reports daily cases in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kavrepalanchok districts.

The outbreak has posed increased challenges in containment as infections have been detected in small-scale and local poultry farms.

According to the DLS, until mid-June, infections were confirmed at 40 locations across these four districts. In the three days between June 29 and July 1, an additional 17 locations were infected, bringing the total to 57 confirmed sites.

Senior veterinary officer Dr. Mukul Upadhyay stated that Bhaktapur district has the highest incidence, with 25 infected locations primarily in the Changunarayan area, which has sustained the most significant losses.

Moreover, small farms in areas such as Suryavinayak and Madhyapur Thimi have also reported bird flu cases. In Kathmandu, infection has been confirmed in 15 locations including Kirtipur, Tokha, Kageshwari Manohara, and Budhanilkantha, while Lalitpur has reported 12 affected sites including Godawari, Mahalaxmi, and Sunakothi. Outside the valley, infections have been identified at five commercial farms in Panauti and Banepa within Kavrepalanchok, where previously only two locations were affected as of mid-June.

Improper Disposal of Dead Poultry Increases Risk of Human Infection

Dr. Upadhyay highlights that current containment is difficult: “Previously, it was easier to prevent the disease on large commercial farms. But now, the spread among locally reared chickens in Kathmandu is hard to detect and manage.”

He explained, “Crows have become the main carriers of the virus in Kathmandu Valley. Farmers often discard dead poultry wrapped in sacks or bags in remote areas, where crows feed on the infected carcasses and subsequently spread the virus to other locations.”

The risk escalates when crows consume infected poultry meat and fly to new areas, potentially transmitting the disease. Therefore, farmers are urged not to dispose of dead chickens carelessly but to bury them properly. Failure to control the infection increases the risk of the virus mutating and spreading to humans.

Dr. Upadhyay added, “Crows continue to spread the virus rapidly by grazing, feeding on grains, and mingling with other birds, which explains the swift expansion of bird flu in the valley.”

Over 600,000 Chickens and Millions of Eggs Destroyed

The government has taken strict measures by culling large numbers of poultry and destroying poultry products. As per Dr. Upadhyay, more than 606,750 chickens have been culled nationwide so far. In Kathmandu Valley alone, about 148,000 chickens across three districts have been eliminated.

Additionally, 994,649 eggs and 195,595 kilograms of feed have been destroyed nationwide. Local governments, districts, provincial, and federal authorities have deployed ‘Rapid Response Teams’ to oversee culling and clean poultry enclosures in affected areas.

Relief Fund of NPR 520 Million Established

To support farmers who have lost poultry, the government has established a relief fund of NPR 520 million, which has already been transferred from the Ministry of Finance to the Department of Livestock Services.

Dr. Upadhyay stated, “Initially, the relief fund was just NPR 20 million and has since increased to NPR 520 million.” Preliminary data estimates total damages at around NPR 570 million nationwide. The government plans to cover 75% of these losses through relief assistance, and the current fund should provide support for farmers in Kathmandu Valley and Province 1.

Documents for relief claims were requested from farmers in Province 1 about a month and a half ago. Relief distribution to Kathmandu Valley farmers is expected shortly, with additional funding to be allocated in the next fiscal year’s budget.

The first case of bird flu in Nepal was confirmed on March 17, 2026 (Chaitra 4, 2082 BS) in Sundarharaicha-4 and Urlabari-8 of Morang district in Province 1, after which the disease spread to other parts of the country.

The department reports infections currently in 11 districts, including Kathmandu Valley and Kavrepalanchok. Other affected districts like Chitwan, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Nawalparasi West, Bara, and Mahottari have now controlled the outbreak.

In Chitwan, 57,063 chickens, 295,050 eggs, and 12,000 kilograms of feed have been culled. Jhapa reports 20,090 chickens, 97,450 eggs, and 10,465 kg of feed destroyed, while Morang has culled 101,860 chickens, 98,032 eggs, and 23,810 kg of feed.

In Sunsari, 285,564 chickens, 427,580 eggs, and 120,225 kg of feed were destroyed. Nawalparasi West saw the loss of 208 chickens and 100 kg of feed. Bara culled 2,865 chickens, 4,112 eggs, and 3,125 kg of feed, and Mahottari reported 78 chickens destroyed.

As relief distribution begins, significant economic losses continue until the infection is fully controlled.

According to Director General Dr. Umesh Dahal of the Department of Livestock Services, although the outbreak is gradually being contained, full control remains a challenge. “Infections are more prevalent in local chickens kept without biosecurity measures. The bird flu virus can spread even faster than COVID-19.”

Changunarayan in Bhaktapur and Suryavinayak are current hotspots, with ongoing efforts to achieve incremental containment.

Response Teams Active Until Midnight

The department highlights that since there is no effective treatment or vaccine, culling infected poultry remains the only option to halt further spread.

Dr. Dahal said, “There is no treatment or vaccine available for this disease. We must eliminate infected birds promptly to prevent virus transmission elsewhere. Our teams remain active between 11 p.m. to midnight, responding swiftly in affected areas.”

Fear Over Bird Flu Causes Poultry Meat Sales to Plummet

The spread of bird flu has increased public fear, resulting in a significant decline in poultry meat sales and consumption.

According to the National Poultry Meat Sellers Association, sales in the Kathmandu Valley have declined by 20 to 30 percent.

Association President Jung Bahadur BC said, “Normally, the daily demand for poultry meat in Kathmandu is around 300,000 kilograms. Currently, this has dropped to about 200,000 to 240,000 kilograms.”

This indicates a daily reduction in poultry meat consumption by up to 60,000 kilograms, and meat prices have also fallen.

Kisaloo Meat Center owner Krishnaram Khadki reported a 70% drop in poultry meat sales at his shop.

As poultry consumption declines, consumer preference has shifted toward goat meat. Khadki noted that goat meat sales have increased 20-25%. However, live goats are scarce, and supply cannot meet demand.

“There is a shortage of live goats in the market, and higher demand has pushed prices up. Previously, goat meat was sold at NPR 775 per kilogram, but now prices range from NPR 800 to 850,” he said.

Khadki added that goat meat prices have increased from NPR 1,400 to NPR 1,500 per kilogram. Health experts have stated that the bird flu virus is destroyed at high temperatures, so consumers can safely eat meat and eggs if properly cooked.

The Department of Livestock Services recommends cooking meat and eggs at a minimum temperature of 70 degrees Celsius. It also urges special attention to sanitation of knives, cutting boards, utensils, and kitchen hygiene.

Department’s Appeal

The department has called on poultry farmers to remain highly vigilant, strictly enforce biosecurity measures on farms, and promptly report any unusual symptoms or deaths in birds to the nearest livestock service center.

Farm operations must enforce strict biological security protocols, avoid reusing old paper crates for eggs, and disinfect all transport vehicles before allowing entry into farms.

Additionally, the department advises implementing biosecurity standards to protect domestic birds from crows and wild birds, and insists that poultry products be transported only with a valid veterinary health certificate.

All stakeholders have been urged to assist in controlling the outbreak and immediately report any sick or dead birds found at farms or sales sites to government livestock agencies.