Kathmandu, March 27 -- Over 100,000 domestic fowls-layers, broilers, indigenous chickens, and ducks-have been culled in Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts following confirmation of avian influenza viruses A(H9N2) and A(H5N1).

Although unusual bird deaths had started some three weeks ago during the parliamentary elections, the outbreaks were confirmed only a few days ago.

"When poultry farmers reported sudden deaths, veterinary officials were deployed on election duty," Dr Ajaya Shah, senior livestock development officer at Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Centre, Morang, told the Post over the phone from the district. "The outbreak of avian flu was known only after the Central Veterinary Laboratory confirmed the infect...