July 2, 2026
 

Nepal culls nearly 570,000 birds as H5N1 outbreak spreads to 11 districts and more than 100 farms

Authorities have also destroyed 989,000 eggs and closed the country's only zoo in Kathmandu after the virus was detected in a dead crow found on the premises.

Nepal has culled 569,858 poultry birds and destroyed 989,000 eggs following an H5N1 avian influenza outbreak that has spread to 11 districts and more than 100 farms since the country's first confirmed case of the year was recorded on 18 March.

Authorities closed the Kathmandu zoo after H5N1 was detected in a dead crow found on the premises, reflecting concerns over the virus spreading beyond commercial poultry operations.

Officials warned that the ongoing mass culling and farm closures could disrupt domestic supplies of chicken meat and eggs in the coming weeks. Surveillance and containment measures are continuing across affected areas to prevent further spread of the disease.

- ILKHA