Bird flu reaches 11 districts as farmers await compensation

Bird flu has rapidly spread across 11 districts in Nepal, causing extensive poultry losses and raising serious biosecurity alarms. Farmers are grappling with mounting financial hardship as promised government compensation for destroyed livestock and feed remains largely undelivered.

In affected regions, thousands of chickens, eggs, and feed have been culled or destroyed in efforts to contain the outbreak. Farmers report losses in the millions of rupees. Dipendra Ashrumali of Lalitpur, for instance, lost 5,700 chickens, 35 quintals of feed, and 1,000 eggs, estimating his total losses at nearly 6 million rupees. He expressed hope for the government's promised 75 percent compensation.

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I expect relief as the government has promised 75 percent compensation.

The avian influenza virus (H5N1) first detected in Morang on March 18 has now become a major hotspot, with infections confirmed in numerous locations, including five sites in the Kathmandu Valley on Wednesday. The Department of Livestock Services reports that approximately 600,000 poultry birds, nearly a million eggs, and substantial quantities of feed have been culled nationwide. The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel has also been closed indefinitely after several animals tested positive and died.

Authorities are working to implement containment measures, including culling birds in affected municipalities. However, officials acknowledge that the scale of the outbreak has outstripped the available budget. "Losses were much higher than expected this time, so the budget is insufficient," stated Dr. Umesh Dahal, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services. The department has requested additional funds from the Finance Ministry.

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Losses were much higher than expected this time, so the budget is insufficient.