The H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, first detected on March 18 in Sundarharaicha-4 and Urlabari-8 of Morang, has now spread to 23 farms across four districts.

According to the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Sunsari is the hardest hit, with 12 poultry farms affected. Outbreaks have also been confirmed in eight farms in Morang, two in Jhapa, and one in Chitwan.

Data as of Saturday show that a total of 113,608 birds, including chickens and ducks, have been culled across these locations. Additionally, authorities have destroyed 211,867 eggs and 25,800 kg of feed. Of the culled birds, approximately 85 percent were layers.

Indira Sharma, spokesperson for the department, said that all necessary measures have been initiated to prevent the disease from spreading to other districts. She added that the DLS is coordinating with relevant agencies across all three tiers of government to implement containment and control protocols.

The department has identified several factors contributing to the outbreak. Experts say tall trees near farms, which serve as habitats for wild birds, may have enabled contact between infected wildlife and domestic poultry.

Other contributing factors include the proximity of farms to wetlands, failure to maintain standard biosecurity measures, and the unregulated movement of vehicles and visitors.

The reuse of egg crates without proper disinfection and the handling of live birds and meat by individuals without adequate protective gear have also been cited as possible drivers of the infection.

Spokesperson Sharma said farmers will receive relief under the Criteria for Providing Relief for Items Destroyed During Bird Flu Control, 2022.

Compensation is determined based on market rates. Under existing provisions, farmers are eligible for relief covering up to 75 percent of their losses, based on recommendations from a rate fixation committee led by the respective chief district officers.

Avian influenza is a highly infectious and often fatal viral disease affecting poultry such as chickens and ducks. Veterinarians warn that while it primarily spreads through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated materials, transmission to humans can occur in rare cases.

Bird flu was first detected in Nepal in 2009 in Jhapa. A decade later, in 2019, the country recorded its first human fatality from the virus when a 21-year-old man from Kavre died during treatment after presenting with fever and cough.