Bird flu confirmed in Morang, Sunsari and Jhapa; 11,000 chickens culled

Bird flu has been confirmed at 11 locations across Morang, Sunsari, and Jhapa districts in Koshi Province, with five sites in Morang, five in Sunsari, and one in Jhapa.

The Animal Disease Investigation Laboratory in Biratnagar confirmed that 11 out of 50 tested samples were positive for H5N1, a highly dangerous strain that can also infect humans. Since last July, 45 of 198 samples tested at the central laboratory have been confirmed as bird flu.

At Dahal Krishi Farm in Biratnagar, 3,000 chickens died naturally before the remaining 3,000 were culled. In Itahari, Sunsari, 11,020 chickens were destroyed at Oko Krishi Farm. Authorities have sealed affected farms and initiated stamping-out procedures, destroying infected birds, eggs, feed, and bedding materials.

People handling poultry should follow veterinary guidance; cook eggs and meat thoroughly and report sick birds to local animal-health units.