Kathmandu, June 22 -- The Department of Livestock Services on Monday deployed four separate rapid response teams of veterinary technicians to cull chickens and ducks, in firms hit by avian influenza virus A (H5N1). As all three districts of the Valley-Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur-are currently witnessing a major bird flu spread, and outbreaks have been reported from multiple places at once, officials say they are racing to contain the spread.

"Over 50 bird flu outbreaks have been reported so far in the Valley," said Dr Mukul Upadhyaya, a senior veterinary officer, who is also a lead focal person for avian influenza control programmes and disease surveillance at the department. "The spread is currently at its peak in the Valley, we a...