Nepal compensates poultry farms millions for bird flu outbreaks

Nepal has disbursed over Rs507 million in compensation to 104 affected poultry farms and farmers following bird flu outbreaks that impacted 162 farms across 12 districts in the last four months. The Department of Livestock Services confirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment allocated Rs500 million for compensation in the previous fiscal year, which has been fully disbursed. An additional Rs20 million has been allocated for the current fiscal year's first four months, with an estimated Rs100 million more needed to cover anticipated claims.

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Since mid-July, all test results have been negative. Farmers are receiving compensation, and we expect infections to continue declining.

Senior Veterinary Officer Mukul Upadhyay clarified that compensation is strictly for birds culled by government authorities as part of disease control measures. Birds that die from the infection are not eligible for compensation. This policy means that not every affected farm receives financial aid, as many birds succumb to the disease before culling can occur.

To curb the spread, authorities culled a total of 835,563 birds and destroyed 1,225,536 eggs and 264,213 kilograms of poultry feed. The bird flu was first detected in February of the last fiscal year, spreading rapidly to numerous farms. Bhaktapur reported the highest number of outbreaks with 45 cases, followed by Kathmandu with 32 and Kavrepalanchok with 27. The Kathmandu Valley and nearby Kavrepalanchok together accounted for 119 confirmed outbreak sites.

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Compensation is provided only for birds culled by the government as part of disease control measures, not for birds that die from the infection.

Under Nepal's Bird Flu Control Regulation, owners are entitled to compensation up to 75 percent of the assessed value of birds, poultry products, and related materials destroyed during official disease control operations. District-level compensation committees, chaired by the chief district officer, assess losses and authorize payments, ensuring compensation is only provided for items destroyed under their supervision.

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Not every affected farm is eligible for compensation. In many cases, birds die before culling takes place. Compensation is paid only for birds destroyed by the government.