Kathmandu, March 26:
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu), considered a deadly disease, has been confirmed in three wards of Gokarneshwor.
Following the detection of the infection in wards 2, 3, and 4 of the municipality, local authorities have urged residents to remain on high alert. The municipality stated that a special campaign has been launched to control and prevent the spread of the disease.
Chief Administrative Officer Ramnarayan Mauli said all ducks, chickens, quails, turkeys, and other birds, along with their eggs and feed, in the affected areas are being completely destroyed.
To prevent the disease from spreading to other areas, authorities have intensified the safe disposal and disinfection of birds in the infected zones. Since bird flu is a high-risk zoonotic disease that can spread from birds to humans, the municipality has issued guidelines for the public and poultry farm operators.
The municipality has requested poultry farms to completely prohibit unnecessary entry of people and vehicles. If entry is unavoidable, strict disinfection measures must be carried out beforehand.
Similarly, workers from one farm have been advised not to visit another farm due to the risk of spreading infection. The reuse of paper egg crates has also been discouraged.
The municipality has urged farm operators to pay special attention to biosecurity measures. Poultry farms and sheds have been instructed to install footbaths containing lime or disinfectant at entry points and to use separate boots and aprons while entering farm premises.
Authorities have also directed farms to disinfect their premises daily and prevent animals such as dogs, cats, and rats from entering the area.
To protect public health, the municipality has advised consumers to thoroughly cook meat and meat products before consumption. It has also instructed that veterinary certificates must be obtained while transporting poultry-related products.
If a large number of birds in farms or households suddenly fall sick or die, the municipality has urged people not to dispose of them carelessly. Instead, they should be safely buried in pits and immediately reported to the nearest local authority, livestock service branch, or veterinary office.
With the message, “Let us stay alert and protect ourselves, our businesses, and our communities from bird flu,” Gokarneshwor Municipality has called for continuous support from the public and stakeholders to control the outbreak. The municipality stated that technical teams have already been deployed to the affected areas and efforts are underway to bring the situation under control.
