Kathmandu, April 6 -- The H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, first detected on March 18 in Sundarharaicha-4 and Urlabari-8 of Morang, has now spread to 23 farms across four districts.

According to the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Sunsari is the hardest hit, with 12 poultry farms affected. Outbreaks have also been confirmed in eight farms in Morang, two in Jhapa, and one in Chitwan.

Data as of Saturday show that a total of 113,608 birds, including chickens and ducks, have been culled across these locations. Additionally, authorities have destroyed 211,867 eggs and 25,800 kg of feed. Of the culled birds, approximately 85 percent were layers.

Indira Sharma, spokesperson for the department, said that all necessary measures ...