Key Takeaways:

• Outbreak initially spread to 11 districts after first detection in Morang
• Surveillance and testing ongoing around previously infected sites
• Veterinarians say likelihood of further spread is low
• Poultry industry reports recovery in consumer confidence and demand

KATHMANDU, JULY 23 Nepal has not recorded any new cases of bird flu since July 17, indicating that the recent outbreak is largely under control, according to the Department of Livestock Services (DLS). The last confirmed case was detected in Sundarijal of Gokarneshwor Municipality–1, Kathmandu, on July 17. Since then, no fresh infections have been reported, Director General Umesh Dahal said, adding that surveillance and testing continue in areas surrounding previously infected sites. The government had declared bird flu-affected zones four months ago after the disease was first detected at poultry farms in Morang. The outbreak subsequently spread to 11 districts. According to the department, bird flu has been fully contained in seven of the affected districts, while monitoring and control measures remain in place in Kathmandu Valley and Kavrepalanchok. Senior veterinarian Dr Mukul Upadhyay said the likelihood of further spread is low, citing the effectiveness of containment efforts. Industry stakeholders also reported a gradual recovery in consumer confidence, with demand for chicken meat and eggs increasing following the decline in infections.