KATHMANDU:- The Department of Livestock Services has said that around 700,000 fowls were culled in 10 districts following the recent confirmation of bird flu cases. The H5NI virus has been detected in 10 districts across the country, including the Kathmandu Valley. 

Likewise, around 300,000 kilos of poultry feed were destroyed. The Department has mobilized a rapid response team to prevent the further spread of the virus, which has so far been confirmed in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, and Nawalparasai, said Director General Dr Umesh Dahal.  

He said no vaccine against bird flu has been available as of now, and the culling of fowls and poultry products is the primary measure to control the virus spreading further. 

Similarly, around 1.1 million eggs were destroyed following the virus outbreak that began a few weeks ago. The Department had pledged compensation to the affected farmers based on existing rules. The compensation will be ensured in coordination with the respective province governments, it is said. (RSS)