# 4441
One of the difficulties with controlling the H5N1 virus is that it can sometimes take days for some countries to confirm that the virus is the cause of poultry deaths. During that time, if containment efforts are not taken, the virus can spread.
This appears to be the case in Nepal, where outbreaks of bird flu have been reported again this winter. Testing for the virus is not done locally, and samples must be sent to the UK to confirm the presence of the virus.
Several days ago (see Nepal: Problems Containing Bird Flu) the Himalayan Times had an article on the spread of bird flu in Parasi, and allegations of cover ups by the government and a slow chaotic response to the threat.
Six weeks ago, bird flu was detected in Pokera (see Nepal: H5N1 In Poultry).
The mention of `open disposal’ of chickens below apparently refers to throwing their carcasses into lakes and rivers. A tactic that is feared will spread the virus further.
Bird flu strikes Nawalparasi as emergency declared
Last Updated : 2010-03-17 12:58 PM
NAWALPARSI: The District Livestock Service Office (DLO), Nawalparasi revealed that bird flu has been detected in different Village Development Committees (VDC) of Nawalparasi on Wednesday. Nawalparsi has been declared as emergency zone after bird flu was acknowledged.
The DLO sent samples for laboratory testing to Britain for suspicion of bird flu after ducks and fowl started dying in Deurali, Deubadi and Tamsariya VDCs, since the last few days.
It is reported that a large number of poultry at Jhyalbas, Guheri, Beluwa, Dihi and Rumsi have died. Similarly, poultry in the neighbouring Deubadi Tamasariya VDC have also started dying.
Fear has gripped the residents in the bird flu areas over fears that the poultry disease might spread rapidly due the open disposal of the dead ducks and fowl.
Balkrishna Panthi, Chief District Officer of Nawalparasi district said that a technical team has already been mobilised to the affected areas for preventive measures.
