The spread of avian influenza across various Indian states and its presence in the bordering state of Bihar has heightened the risk for Nepal as well. Government officials have stated that the open border between Nepal and India and the illegal movement of poultry products across border markets have put Nepal at considerable risk. If the infection spreads in Nepal, the country’s self-reliant poultry industry could suffer significant losses. The industry has investments exceeding Rs 160 billion and contributes about 4% to Nepal’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to government data.
In recent years, the rising cost of raw materials has led many poultry farmers to abandon the sector. According to Indian media, the outbreak, which began in January, has affected states like Punjab, Jharkhand, Telangana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. In response, local governments have culled thousands of chickens and destroyed eggs. In Bihar, some poultry have also been culled after bird flu cases were detected.
Dr. Lekhraj Dahal, Deputy Director General of Nepal's Department of Livestock Services, stated that the outbreak in India poses a high risk to Nepal. He confirmed that bird flu had been detected in early March at a duck farm in Koshi Rural Municipality, Sunsari. However, the infection has since been brought under control.
The Central Animal Disease Investigation Laboratory confirmed the presence of bird flu on February 14 after testing samples.
Following the detection of bird flu, the government imposed a ban on importing animal products from India, except for parent chicks transported by air. Meetings chaired by Chief District Officers (CDOs) in various Terai districts were held to deploy teams to control smuggling. A specialized team sealed the affected farm and destroyed 443 ducks, one local chicken, two pigeons, 10 kg of chicken feed, and 220 sacks of poultry manure.
Although the situation in Koshi is now stable, Dr. Dahal emphasized that the risk remains due to the ongoing outbreak in various Indian states. He stressed the importance of maintaining caution. Additionally, 22 quarantine centers have been established in border areas to control possible outbreaks.
Dinesh Raj Mishra, General Secretary of the Nepal Poultry Industry Federation, also acknowledged the high risk due to the outbreak in India. He noted that illegal cross-border smuggling of poultry, eggs, and meat has increased the threat. The federation has urged local authorities, CDOs, and the Ministry of Home Affairs to tighten border control.
Mishra emphasized that due to frequent outbreaks of diseases in India, Nepali poultry businesses are directly impacted. He called for strict regulations on the illegal import of poultry products, particularly disguised as goods like raw potato chips to evade customs checks.
What is Bird Flu?
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a viral infection that spreads among birds, cattle, and other animals. According to the department, the disease is widespread among wild birds and has caused outbreaks in poultry and dairy cattle worldwide. International reports have also detected bird flu among poultry workers.
Symptoms
Infected birds show symptoms such as loss of appetite, wheezing, swollen heads, bluish discoloration of combs and wattles, appearance of blue spots on the skin, lethargy, and greenish diarrhea.
