Bird Flu Remains Uncontrolled After Over Three Months: When Can We Expect Containment?
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The H5N1 bird flu infection first detected in eastern Nepal during the first week of last Chaitra (March) has persisted for over three and a half months and remains uncontrolled.
According to the Department of Livestock Services, bird flu has been confirmed in more than 100 locations across 11 districts so far. While 98 of these sites have been brought under control, ongoing infection zones continue to emerge.
The department’s Director General, Umesh Dahal, stated that as of Sunday, around 105 locations have recorded infections, and it will take approximately two more weeks to achieve full containment.
An infectious disease expert noted that the government has not done enough to control this highly fatal disease among birds.
However, efforts to control the disease are underway through the Bird Flu Control Unit established under the Deputy Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, coordinating among government levels.
What is the Current Situation?
Image source, DoLS
Since the first confirmation of bird flu in Morang district on Chaitra 4 (March 18), the disease has been detected in 11 districts including Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and Kavre-Palanchok.
Among these, infections have recently reemerged in the Kathmandu Valley and Kavre-Palanchok, while other areas report full control, according to Director General Dahal.
“Especially in Kathmandu, infections have started appearing in wild crows as well, and since crows travel everywhere, this has prolonged control efforts,” Dahal explained.
“In Kathmandu alone, infections have been detected at 57 sites. Almost all poultry feed materials, such as grains and feed supplies, have been destroyed.”
Bhaktapur and Kavre-Palanchok districts still report ongoing infections.
“In Kavre-Palanchok, infections are reported in two sites in Banepa and three or four sites in Panauti,” he added.
“Though not fully contained yet, we observe a gradual decline in new infections.”
When can full containment be expected?
“The eastern region was brought under full control in about one and a half months. Here, the infection reappeared due to wild crows. We anticipate that within one or two weeks, the disease will no longer be present nationwide. We are working tirelessly around the clock,” Director General Dahal stated.
Assessment of Government Efforts
According to an infectious disease expert, the government has not demonstrated sufficient efforts to control the bird flu, which has appeared repeatedly in the past.
“If government efforts had been adequate, the disease would not have continued to spread like this. Bird flu occurs almost annually, so preparedness was essential,” said infectious disease specialist Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun.
“Thus, some weaknesses have been evident in our government response.”
Due to ongoing infections prior to confirmation of bird flu cases, Jawalakhel Zoo in Lalitpur district was closed to outside visitors starting Asar 5 (June 19).
Dr. Pun advises the public to remain cautious given continued infections and lack of full containment.
“Poultry farmers, those working closely with birds, transporters, sellers, and slaughterhouse workers should exercise particular caution,” he said.
Although the disease currently does not pose a major public health concern, maintaining vigilance is recommended based on past experiences.
Since the detection of bird flu, the Department of Livestock Services has destroyed more than 600,000 chickens, over one million eggs, and approximately 200,000 kilograms of poultry feed.
The department also notes that the lower incidence of infection among broiler chickens means consumers have little reason to worry about meat consumption.
“Contaminated meat has not reached the market, and since meat is usually cooked before eating, it is safe to consume,” Dahal explained.
Wild crows have also been found infected with bird flu, and as they can travel anywhere, the public is encouraged to report any dead birds seen in their vicinity to local authorities or relevant agencies, Dr. Pun said.
