Avian Flu Outbreak in Research Birds Causes Over 5 Million NPR in Damages

April 9, Birgunj (Parsa) – An outbreak of avian flu among birds raised for research under the National Avian Research Program has resulted in damages amounting to nearly 5 million Nepalese Rupees. The avian flu, which emerged in the last week of Chaitra (March), forced the destruction of several bird species and their feed at the Parwanipur-based research center in Bara district.
Khambahadur Prajwal, Information Officer at the National Avian Research Program in Parwanipur, confirmed that following the detection of avian flu among the research birds in the last week of Chaitra, approximately NPR 4.5 to 5 million in economic losses were incurred.
“Avian flu was first identified in the turkey species, and as the infection spread to other bird species housed in the farm, all birds had to be destroyed,” he explained. “We have completed all procedures to cull the birds, eggs, and feed from the facility.”
The outbreak led to the culling of around 2,000 chicks, approximately 1,200 poultry birds including Giriraj and others, 33 quails, 47 white and black turkeys, and about 450 guinea fowls, according to the office. In addition, 835 kilograms of L1 feed, 455 kilograms of L2 feed, and 1,835 kilograms of L3 feed were discarded.
Prajwal added that sanitization efforts at the affected farm are currently underway, including lime application, manure treatment, and heat sterilization by fire. “The office is also making efforts to procure various poultry breeds previously distributed to farmers,” he said. “Preparations are in progress to restart the program by bringing necessary birds and eggs from the offices located in Pokhara and Nepalgunj under the National Avian Research Program.”