March 4, 2009
Sudden poultry deaths in southern Nepal sparks fear of bird flu
More than a dozen chickens belonging to two poultry farms in south Nepal district died of an unidentified disease sparked fears of bird flu outbreak in the area, local media reported on Tuesday (Mar 3).
The chickens died in the farms owned by Ramdev Mandal in Mirchaiya and Ramsewak Mahara, Siraha district, some 150 kilometres south of Nepali capital Kathmandu.
According to the report, eleven chickens from Mahara's farm and eight from Mandal's farm died on Sunday (Mar 1).
The District Livestock Service Office of Siraha has sent a team of veterinarians equipped with necessary medicines to the area, according to Mohammad Mustafa of the office.
Mustafa said the chickens might have died of cold but the reason for the deaths could be ascertained only after tests.
Area Livestock Service Office deputy assistant technician Ram Kripal Shah said Ramnagar Mirchaiya was under close watch.
Meanwhile, meat-sellers in the area have started selling chicken at a reduced price, suspecting that the chickens might have died of bird flu.
