KATHMANDU, JUNE 28
Crows are the primary source behind the continued spread of bird flu across the Kathmandu Valley, the Department of Livestock Services has said, as authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak that has now affected nearly 100 poultry farms in 11 districts.
Director General Dr Umesh Dahal said infected crows have made it difficult to control the disease because they can carry the virus over long distances.
"Bird flu in poultry can be contained by culling infected birds, but infected crows cannot be controlled," Dahal said. "They have spread the virus to many places, including the Central Zoo."
According to the department, infected crows can transmit the virus for up to 21 days. The birds often die in unknown locations, while their droppings also contribute to the spread of the highly contagious disease.
Bird flu has been detected across all three districts of the Kathmandu Valley. Dahal said the outbreak has largely been brought under control in most parts of the Valley, except Kirtipur and Kageshwori Manohara municipalities, where containment measures are still underway.
The latest update comes as the department continues enhanced surveillance after the outbreak spread to nearly 100 poultry farms in 11 districts over the past three months. More than 570,000 birds have been affected nationwide since the first outbreak was reported in Morang in March, while hundreds of thousands of eggs and large quantities of poultry feed have been destroyed to contain the virus.
Authorities have deployed technical teams and established a Bird Flu Control Cell under the leadership of the department's deputy director general. Control measures are being carried out in coordination with federal, provincial and local governments.
Officials have urged poultry farmers and the public to remain vigilant, warning that bird flu is highly contagious among birds and has the potential to infect humans. The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel remains closed after bird flu was detected in crows, pigeons and several other animal species within the facility.