Bird flu surfaces in Banke

Last Updated : 2010-03-24 12:15 AM


Damodar Bhandari

BANKE: Avian influenza has surfaced at four different places in the district. According to the District Livestock Office Banke, the flu has been verified after tests of dead chickens and ducks in the area.

Janakram Bhandari, a veterinary doctor, said bird flu has been detected in Chacharpharka, of Binauna VDC-8, Chappargoudi of Khoalpur-4, Chhatakpur of Phhatepur and Phultekra area of Nepalgunj Municipality-7. Some samples were sent to Kathmandu for laboratory tests on March 8 after a large number of birds died in the area. More than 50 chickens and birds have died in the area till now. The samples were sent to the central laboratory in Kathmandu on March 8. Locals in the area fear transmission of the

flu in humans. Banke Chief District Officer Birendra

Bahadur Baniya said culling of birds in the area will

start tomorrow.

A Rapid Response Team and a monitoring team have been formed for the purpose. He added, “We are very serious about the outbreak in the area and will take necessary action immediately.”

Preventive measures have also been stepped up in Bardiya, the adjoining district of Banke, to stop the spread of the flu.

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