The H5N1 influenza virus has been detected in a poultry farm in Pokhara-18, Kaski, raising alarm bells of a possible outbreak. 

The bird flu virus was detected in dead fowls at the poultry farm belonging to Mina Pariyar of Khaltemasina in Pokhara. The District Livestock Services Office (DLSO) confirmed the virus in the poultry farm after laboratory tests. Samples sent to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory after Pariyar reported death of a duck on February 17, tested positive. 

Dr Kedar Raj Pandey, chief of the laboratory, said the sample was later sent to the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Kathmandu for confirmation. At least 17 ducks and 11 chickens have died in the farm so far. 

The local administration has declared Khaltemasina area “bird flu infected area”.  

The District Bird Flu Control Coordination Committee has imposed a ban on the trade and transport of fowls and poultry products for 42 days. 

A rapid response team from Kathmandu, led by Dr Abadhesh Jha, arrived in Pokhara on Saturday to cull infected fowls. 

Thagendra Prasad Aryal, information officer at the DLSO, said domesticated birds within 500 metres periphery of Khaltemasina were being culled. “Monitoring and sample testing have been carried out in other parts of Pokhara as well. Authorities are on high alert,” he added. 

The H5N1 virus was detected in various poultry farms at Batulechaur, Simpani, Birauta and Sedibagar of Pokhara in January 2013.