Bird Flu Outbreak in Nepal: Over 40,000 Chickens and Ducks Culled in Kavre as Authorities Intensify Containment Efforts
Avian influenza spreads across poultry farms in Banepa and Panauti, prompting large-scale culling, stricter biosecurity measures and intensified surveillance
Nepalese authorities have culled more than 40,000 chickens and ducks in Kavrepalanchok (Kavre) District after a fresh outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) hit several commercial poultry farms. The emergency response comes as officials race to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease and prevent further losses to the country’s poultry sector.
According to the District Livestock Office in Dhulikhel, a total of 40,729 domestic birds, including layer chickens and ducks, have been destroyed after unusual bird deaths were confirmed to be linked to avian influenza. The affected farms are located in Banepa Municipality (Wards 6 and 13) and Panauti Municipality (Wards 7, 8 and 9).
Senior veterinarian Dr. Bajra Kishor Thakur said the disease may have spread more rapidly because infected birds and carcasses were not disposed of safely in some areas. He urged poultry farmers to strictly follow biosecurity protocols, maintain proper sanitation, and ensure the safe disposal of dead birds to reduce the risk of further transmission.
The latest culling operation is part of Nepal’s broader campaign to control one of its largest bird flu outbreaks in recent years. Since the outbreak began in March 2026, avian influenza has spread to 11 districts, leading authorities to cull nearly 600,000 poultry birds, along with hundreds of thousands of eggs and large quantities of poultry feed. The outbreak has also placed severe financial pressure on farmers awaiting government compensation.
Officials have intensified surveillance of poultry farms and increased inspections of poultry transportation to prevent illegal movement of infected birds. Veterinary teams are conducting additional testing in high-risk areas while enforcing stricter movement controls and farm-level biosecurity measures.
Although avian influenza primarily affects birds, health experts continue to advise caution. Human infections remain rare, but poultry workers, veterinarians, and individuals handling sick or dead birds are encouraged to wear protective equipment and follow hygiene protocols. Authorities also emphasize that properly cooked poultry products remain safe for consumption.
The outbreak has raised concerns over the economic impact on Nepal’s poultry industry, with farmers reporting substantial losses due to mandatory culling and temporary farm closures. Government agencies are seeking additional funds to compensate affected poultry producers and support disease control efforts as containment operations continue across the country.
With active cases still being reported in parts of the Kathmandu Valley and Kavre, veterinary authorities have urged poultry farmers to immediately report unusual bird deaths, strengthen farm biosecurity, and cooperate with disease surveillance teams to help prevent further spread of avian influenza.
