Bird Flu Outbreak in Nepal: Impact of Spread in Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari Districts

Following confirmed cases of bird flu infection at more than a dozen poultry farms across three districts in eastern Nepal, these areas have been declared crisis zones. Government officials have announced restrictions on the movement of birds and bird-related products. In total, over 65,000 chickens and more than 122,000 eggs have been destroyed across 16 poultry farms in Morang, Sunsari, and Jhapa districts.

Dr. Deepa Diwali, Senior Veterinary Officer at the Koshi Province Ministry of Industry, Agriculture, and Cooperatives, stated that technical teams have been deployed to the infected areas to implement measures to prevent further spread of the infection. Bird flu cases were initially confirmed in the first week of Chaitra at six farms in Morang, five in Sunsari, and one in Jhapa. The recent detection of bird flu at four additional sites in Sunsari and Jhapa has increased the challenge of controlling the outbreak, officials reported.

Acting Chief District Officer of Morang, Pawanraj Koirala, explained that since the disease has the potential to infect humans, all transport of poultry, eggs, feed, and related bird products from the affected areas has been halted. The government has urged farmers to exercise heightened vigilance. Farmers are encouraged to limit entry of outsiders into poultry farms, maintain regular cleaning and disinfection routines, promptly report sick or dead birds, and use protective equipment such as masks and gloves for safety.

The districts of Morang, Sunsari, and Jhapa are key centers for commercial poultry farming. With the emergence of bird flu, poultry farmers have expressed concern. According to Om Banskota, president of the Nepal Egg Producers Association chapters in Sunsari and Morang, the estimated losses due to the bird flu outbreak amount to approximately two billion Nepalese rupees in these districts. Given the open border with India, which may have facilitated the introduction of the infection, stakeholders emphasize the need for the government to pay special attention to controlling the outbreak.