KATHMANDU, JUNE 25 Bird flu continues to spread across the Kathmandu Valley, with authorities culling more than 48,000 chickens in Bhaktapur after outbreaks were confirmed at several poultry farms. According to the District Livestock Service Office, 48,173 chickens have been destroyed in Changunarayan and Suryabinayak municipalities after laboratory tests confirmed avian influenza infections. Veterinary officer Dr Amik Shrestha said 38,795 chickens were culled in wards 2, 8 and 9 of Changunarayan Municipality, while another 9,378 birds were destroyed in wards 1, 4 and 8 of Suryabinayak Municipality to prevent further spread of the disease. The latest outbreak comes as bird flu continues to pose a challenge in Kathmandu Valley. The Department of Livestock Services said the disease has so far been detected at 82 locations across 11 districts, affecting nearly 570,000 birds since it was first reported in Morang in March. While outbreaks in districts including Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan and Nawalparasi have largely been brought under control, infections continue to be reported in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and parts of Kavrepalanchok, prompting authorities to urge heightened vigilance. The outbreak had earlier forced the closure of the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel for at least two weeks after bird flu was detected in crows and pigeons found dead inside the facility. Subsequent testing confirmed infections in several bird species as well as some mammals, including civet cats and clouded leopards. The incident also triggered an investigation into the zoo's chief, who was removed from his post over allegations of failing to promptly report wildlife deaths linked to the outbreak. According to the Department of Livestock Services, around 569,858 birds have been affected nationwide, while nearly one million eggs and 195,485 kilograms of poultry feed have been destroyed as part of disease-control measures. Authorities have intensified surveillance and containment efforts in the Valley, warning poultry farmers and the public to adopt strict biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of the disease.