PARASI: Emergency has been declared in Jhyalbas area in Deurali VDC of Nawalparasi district following the outbreak of Bird flu. The move came after the samples from the affected area that were sent by the the government to a laboratory in the United Kingdom tested positive.

According to District Livestock Office (DLO) chief Damodar Neupane, the government announced emergency after the laboratory in the UK confirmed the flu in the samples that Nepal had sent for the test.

The DLO said that they were planning to destroy birds, chickens, ducks and equipment used in the poultry farming in the areas. A district-level bird flu control committee chaired by the Chief District Officer today also launched a campaign to control the flu outbreak along with the declaration of emergency. An emergency response team has also been formed under the coordination of Dr Laxman Dhakal.

According to Dr Dhakal, DLO has established a control room for the collection of chickens, ducks and other birds. We have deployed employees in the affected area. Import and export of birds have been restricted. The government will compensate farmers for the culling of the birds, hens, and ducks.

Earlier, symptoms of the flu were detected in Jhapa and Pokhara. The emergency response team claimed that the flu might have entered Jhyalbasi from Pokhara as a direct bus service is in operation between the two places. The team said that it will not take long cull the birds as the emergency area has not any large poultry farm.

Meanwhile, Dr RS Dip, chief, District Public Health Office, they are preparing to have the locals’ health checked. A five-member team is planning to leave for the affected area, added the doctor.