Avian influenza is an infection caused by “H5N1 virus” which wild birds worldwide carry in their intestines. It is very contagious among birds and can kill them. Domesticated birds may also become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry. There is always a risk of of the virus moving from one poultry or bird to another. The risk from avian influenza is generally low among humans, because the virus does not usually infect human beings. The few rare cases have resulted from people having direct or close contact with H5N1-infected poultry or H5N1-contaminated surfaces. Confirmed cases of human infection from several subtypes of avian influenza infection have been reported since 1997.

The recent outbreak of bird flu in eastern Nepal has created panic in the country. The government immediately took measures to control its spread across the country. It has declared 26 districts adjoining Indian borders as prone to bird flu and has banned import of bird and bird products. Likewise, the government started killing chickens and ducks in the infected area, where poultry farming contributes about four per cent of GDP amounting to Rs. 16 billion investment in this sector. For wholehearted cooperation from the poultry owners, the adequate compensation issue should be settled.

In order to control the virus from spreading, the government should seek the involvement and cooperation of all the sectors. Well-equipped laboratories to test the virus need to be set up in bird flu prone districts and the internal transportation of birds and bird products must be done only after screening them for the suspected virus.

Similarly, effective mobilisation of the quarantine mechanism can also contribute to lowering the transfer risk of the virus. Depopulating domestic birds can be a measure to stop the spread of the flu as well. Besides killing chickens and other domestic fowls, the government should also take measures such as banning the import of birds and their products; surveillance around the affected areas; spraying medicines in the infected areas, and regular monitoring of the poultry.

Similarly, massive public awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of the virus will also be a significant step in that regard. Media, NGOs and other stakeholders involved should also join hands to combat the threat.

On the other hand, the public should also give support by taking precautionary measures in the consumption of bird and bird products, taking care of sanitation, informing officials if possible bird flu cases are detected in the nearby places, etc. Similarly, poultry owners should also allow regular monitoring of their farms and, if necessary, help in culling the birds. Vaccination against flu also works as a preventive measure. These are but a few steps in being able to control the spread of avian influenza. It is vigilance that can stop bird flu wreaking havoc on one of the potential sources of income generation.