Fifteen crows were found dead in the Taudaha area on Wednesday morning, just days after bird flu was confirmed in crows discovered at the nearby Tribhuvan University (TU) premises.

The Taudaha site lies approximately five kilometres from the TU premises, where the initial outbreak was detected. Kirtipur Municipality said it is investigating whether these recent deaths are linked to the same strain found at the university.

“A team of veterinarians is studying the case to determine whether this matches the pattern seen at TU,” said Diwakar Adhikari, spokesperson for the municipality. “The livestock and poultry division is actively working on this and will provide an update after receiving the investigation report.”

A total of 51 crows were found dead a week ago near the BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium, Observatory and Science Museum and the upper section of the university cricket ground. Samples tested by the Department of Livestock Services confirmed the presence of the avian influenza virus.

“Initially, our team found around 30 dead crows,” Mukul Upadhyaya, a senior veterinarian at the department, told the Post. “Laboratory tests confirmed the H5N1-bird flu strain.”

Upadhyaya said the infection likely spread from other infected birds or through the consumption of contaminated carcasses. No other bird flu cases have been reported elsewhere in the Kathmandu Valley so far.

The municipality confirmed that all 51 carcasses from the university site have been disinfected and buried. Adhikari added that no bird species other than crows have been found dead so far. Disinfectant powder and medicines have been sprayed at the sites to prevent further spread.

However, officials remain cautious. “Since crows are migratory and highly mobile, they are difficult to contain,” Adhikari said. “There is growing concern that the risk might increase, as these birds often interact with livestock while feeding on ticks.”

The department has urged poultry farmers to restrict the entry of unnecessary personnel and vehicles into farms and to avoid reusing egg crates. It has also advised the public to bury dead birds in deep pits immediately and urged farm workers to contact health institutions if they experience any respiratory symptoms.