The highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has extended its reach to four districts in Nepal, as confirmed by a government official. Indira Sharma from the Department of Livestock Services stated that the H5N1 virus has been identified in 23 poultry farms located in Morang, Sunsari, Jhapa, and Chitwan districts. Efforts are underway to prevent further spread of the virus.
According to reports, a significant number of birds, including chickens and ducks, along with a large quantity of eggs, have been culled in response to the outbreak. The total count stands at 113,608 birds and 211,867 eggs destroyed from the affected areas. The first instance of bird flu this year was reported in Morang district on March 18.
H5N1 is a strain of influenza virus that causes severe respiratory illness in birds, commonly referred to as avian influenza or bird flu. The virus can also infect mammals, including humans, leading to a range of symptoms from mild to severe, with potential fatal outcomes. While respiratory symptoms are predominant, cases of conjunctivitis and other non-respiratory manifestations have been documented.
The emergence of the goose/Guangdong-lineage of H5N1 avian influenza viruses dates back to 1996, with subsequent outbreaks in bird populations. A variant of these viruses since 2020 has resulted in a significant number of bird and poultry deaths globally. The virus has spread across continents, affecting regions like Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Central and South America, causing large-scale avian influenza epidemics.
