2012-02-12 8:13 PM
BHADRAPUR: Bird flu or avian influenza A (H5N1) has been confirmed in
chickens in poultry farms in three different locations of Jhapa
district.
The confirmation was made by the Central Animal Disease Research Laboratory,
Kathmandu after it tested samples of dead fowls from the three farms collected
some time ago, according to Chief of District Livestock Services Office, Jhapa,
Dr Radheshyam Mandal.
The samples had been collected from the house of Nijam Miyan and Kansar Miyan
in Pathamari-1, the house of Gopal Prasad Oli in Arjundhara-7 and from the farm
run by Devendra Kumar Shrestha in Charpane-3.
Meanwhile, the District Bird flu Control Technical Committee today decided to
declare those areas as 'crisis zone'.
The four corners of the zone would soon be identified and culling of the
fowls will begin soon, said Mandal.
Prior to this, the H5N1 virus had also been confirmed in fowls in Sunsari and
Ilam districts.
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=3+Jhapa+locations+test+positive+for+bird+flu&NewsID=320147
Showing posts with label Nepal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nepal. Show all posts
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Nepal-Avian influenza in Itahari farm
6‚000 fowls to be culled today
Last Updated At: 2012-02-11 10:20 PM
ITAHARI: Samples of dead chicken collected from a farm at the Itahari-based PK
Poultry tested positive for bird flu in course of tests at the Kathmandu-based
central laboratory.
A government team under Dr Bolaraj Acharya had not bothered to inspect the farm after poultry farm owner Nirmal Shrestha insisted that the section of the poultry, where 3,500 fowls had died some days ago, was free from bird flu.
After confirmation of bird flu, a team of technicians under Dr Acharya visited the poultry today. Acharya informed the team will cull 6,000 chickens of the farm tomorrow, warning that bird flu might take epidemic proportions.
Shrestha demanded that the government compensate poulterers like him, who have lost millions in the bird flu outbreak
A government team under Dr Bolaraj Acharya had not bothered to inspect the farm after poultry farm owner Nirmal Shrestha insisted that the section of the poultry, where 3,500 fowls had died some days ago, was free from bird flu.
After confirmation of bird flu, a team of technicians under Dr Acharya visited the poultry today. Acharya informed the team will cull 6,000 chickens of the farm tomorrow, warning that bird flu might take epidemic proportions.
Shrestha demanded that the government compensate poulterers like him, who have lost millions in the bird flu outbreak
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Avian+influenza+in+Itahari+farm&NewsID=320061
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Nepal-Bird Flu confirmed in Sunsari; Ilam, Panchthat hit #H5N1 #BIRDFLU
Posted on: 2012-02-05 11:59
SUNSARI, FEB 05 - While government authorities on Sunday confirmed the H5N1 strain of bird flu in Khanar and Itahari in Sunsari district, similar outbreaks were reported in Phakphok in Ilam district and Faktep in Panchthar, where more than 400 chickens have died.
However, fowls in the affected areas are yet to be slaughtered, increasing the risk of the infection spreading to other localities.
The Directorate of National Animal Health (DNAH) had suspected bird flu after around 7,000 chickens died in Pathibhara Poultry Firm at Khanar-4 and PK Poultry Suppliers at Itahari-6. As of Sunday evening, more than 8,000 fowls have died in the two poultry farms.
"We have not been able to slaughter the fowls as we have not been able to check the health of personnel who are to slaughter the fowls, while there is a lack of tami flu (the drug to treat the flu) and sending safety gears to the team has been delayed," Dr Bol Raj Acharya, the Eastern Regional Veterinary Health Director, said.
Dr Shreeram Prasad Shah, the chief of the District Public Health Office, Sunsari, said the date of tami flu stored in the area has already expired. The medicines sent by the centre, however, arrived late on Sunday evening.
The district veterinary office has directed authorities concerned to increase surveillance in all poultry farms in the area.
In Ilam and Panchthar, authorities have declared an area of 3 km around the two sites as infected zone.
A team led by doctors has been deployed at the site in Ilam. The team will kill fowls in the nearby areas and take up other preventive measures. Around 200 households live in the outbreak area.
"We have deployed security personnel to stop the import and export of chickens and poultry products," said DSP Bishnu KC said.
In Kathmandu, Secreatry of the Ministry of Health and Population Dr Praveen Mishra said, "People need not panic. We are prepared to handle the situation."
General symptoms of the flu are fever above 100.4 F, cough, sore throat, muscle ache and difficulty in breathing.
Bird Flu, also known as Avian influenza, is an infection caused by the avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses. The influenza A viruses occur naturally among birds.
Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or surfaces contaminated with secretion/excretions from infected birds. The faeces of the Aves are considered the most dangerous medium of transfer.
(With inputs from Manish Gautam (Kathmandu), Biplav Bhattarai (Ilam) and Labadev Dhungana (Panchthar)
http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/02/05/national/bird-flu-confirmed-in-sunsari-ilam-panchthat-hit/348456.html
SUNSARI, FEB 05 - While government authorities on Sunday confirmed the H5N1 strain of bird flu in Khanar and Itahari in Sunsari district, similar outbreaks were reported in Phakphok in Ilam district and Faktep in Panchthar, where more than 400 chickens have died.
However, fowls in the affected areas are yet to be slaughtered, increasing the risk of the infection spreading to other localities.
The Directorate of National Animal Health (DNAH) had suspected bird flu after around 7,000 chickens died in Pathibhara Poultry Firm at Khanar-4 and PK Poultry Suppliers at Itahari-6. As of Sunday evening, more than 8,000 fowls have died in the two poultry farms.
"We have not been able to slaughter the fowls as we have not been able to check the health of personnel who are to slaughter the fowls, while there is a lack of tami flu (the drug to treat the flu) and sending safety gears to the team has been delayed," Dr Bol Raj Acharya, the Eastern Regional Veterinary Health Director, said.
Dr Shreeram Prasad Shah, the chief of the District Public Health Office, Sunsari, said the date of tami flu stored in the area has already expired. The medicines sent by the centre, however, arrived late on Sunday evening.
The district veterinary office has directed authorities concerned to increase surveillance in all poultry farms in the area.
In Ilam and Panchthar, authorities have declared an area of 3 km around the two sites as infected zone.
A team led by doctors has been deployed at the site in Ilam. The team will kill fowls in the nearby areas and take up other preventive measures. Around 200 households live in the outbreak area.
"We have deployed security personnel to stop the import and export of chickens and poultry products," said DSP Bishnu KC said.
In Kathmandu, Secreatry of the Ministry of Health and Population Dr Praveen Mishra said, "People need not panic. We are prepared to handle the situation."
General symptoms of the flu are fever above 100.4 F, cough, sore throat, muscle ache and difficulty in breathing.
Bird Flu, also known as Avian influenza, is an infection caused by the avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses. The influenza A viruses occur naturally among birds.
Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or surfaces contaminated with secretion/excretions from infected birds. The faeces of the Aves are considered the most dangerous medium of transfer.
(With inputs from Manish Gautam (Kathmandu), Biplav Bhattarai (Ilam) and Labadev Dhungana (Panchthar)
http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/02/05/national/bird-flu-confirmed-in-sunsari-ilam-panchthat-hit/348456.html
Cases of bird flu in Nepal #H5N1 #BIRDFLU
The deadly H5N1 bird flu virus found in Nepal. After the virus has been culled in southern and eastern Nepal. According to officials, some areas have been complaints of people getting sick.Nepal, Ram Krishna Khatiwad Animal Health Directorate, said the official, "the mysterious death of chickens in commercial Murgibadhon we investigated the samples sent to London. Today we have test report, which has been confirmed that Sunsari district and Ithari Knar infection of bird flu in poultry form. " Prtviy areas of eastern Nepal in the case of bird flu has emerged. Tea production in Ilam district of Panchathar case of bird flu has emerged. Khatiwad the bird flu affected areas is under strict surveillance. 4000 has begun the task of culling.
Khatiwad said, "So far, no human infection has been reported. Some places has been complaining of vomiting and itching. But it is because of fear. We - the situation under control two days will do. " Nepal's first case of bird flu emerged in January 2009. Two years ago, chickens and ducks in eastern Nepal found the bird flu virus. The mysterious manner of chickens dying after December 2011, after some doubts have again. Now it's confirmed.
Bird flu case in China, Indonesia and Vietnam are also exposed. According to doctors in China and Vietnam came up avian flu virus is already more powerful and dangerous. China in the past two months, two people have died. Some cases of bird flu in Vietnam and Cambodia have proved fatal.
The person vulnerable to bird flu fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath occurs. Bird flu can be fatal.
http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15719413,00.html
..Agriculture Minister Nandan Kumar Datta said the government has put all government agencies concerned on high alert and directed authorities to adopt safety and preventive measures. Though the district administration has said humans in and around the sites are not at risk, a woman, who worked at the PK Poultry Farm, fell ill on Saturday. Jasmita Rai has complained of itching in body parts and vomiting...
http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2012/02/04/top-story/2000-more-fowls-dead-in-sunsari/231193.html
Khatiwad said, "So far, no human infection has been reported. Some places has been complaining of vomiting and itching. But it is because of fear. We - the situation under control two days will do. " Nepal's first case of bird flu emerged in January 2009. Two years ago, chickens and ducks in eastern Nepal found the bird flu virus. The mysterious manner of chickens dying after December 2011, after some doubts have again. Now it's confirmed.
Bird flu case in China, Indonesia and Vietnam are also exposed. According to doctors in China and Vietnam came up avian flu virus is already more powerful and dangerous. China in the past two months, two people have died. Some cases of bird flu in Vietnam and Cambodia have proved fatal.
The person vulnerable to bird flu fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath occurs. Bird flu can be fatal.
http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15719413,00.html
..Agriculture Minister Nandan Kumar Datta said the government has put all government agencies concerned on high alert and directed authorities to adopt safety and preventive measures. Though the district administration has said humans in and around the sites are not at risk, a woman, who worked at the PK Poultry Farm, fell ill on Saturday. Jasmita Rai has complained of itching in body parts and vomiting...
http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2012/02/04/top-story/2000-more-fowls-dead-in-sunsari/231193.html
Nepal confirms outbreak of bird flu #H5N1 #BIRDFLU
Feb 5, 2012, 15:48 GMT
Kathmandu - Authorities in Nepal were preparing Sunday to cull hundreds of poultry after the government confirmed the outbreak of bird flu in the eastern region of the country.
A laboratory test on a sample from a dead chicken had confirmed avian influenza in the districts of Sunsari and Ilam, the director of the National Animal Health Directorate, Ram Krishna Khatiwada, said.
http://news.monstersandcritics.com/health/news/article_1689123.php/Nepal-confirms-outbreak-of-bird-flu
Bird flu confirmed in Sunsari |
|
|
ITAHARI, Feb 5:
The government authorities on
Sunday confirmed outbreak of bird flu in Khanar and Itahari of Sunsari, where
6,500 chickens had died at PK Poultry Farm of Bajraha, Itahari-6 and Pathibhara
Poultry Farm of Khanar earlier this week.
After chickens started dying, a team led by Ganesh Raj Panta, Senior Vetenary Doctor at Animal Health Directorate, Kathmandu, had monitored the poultry farms. After confirming bird flu, an official of the district animal heath office, Sunsari, has been called in to contain the possible spread of the virus. There are five thousand chickens in Pathibhara and 10 thousand in PK Poultry Farm http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=41682 Bird flu confirmed in Ilam also
Added At: 2012-02-05 3:33 PM
ILAM: Bird flu has been confirmed in Phakphok VDC-2 of Ilam district. An
emergency meeting of the district-level bird flu disease control committee held
on Sunday confirmed the avian influenza virus in Phakphok...Three kilometers from the house of farmers Dil Bahadur Khadka and Bhuwanti
Chemjong of Phakphok-2 has been declared 'prohibited area'.
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Bird+flu+confirmed+in+Ilam+also&NewsID=319260
|
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Nepal-Poultry await slaughter #h5n1 #birdflu
Photo:
RAJESH GURUNG
 |
Hapless poultry await slaughter as their owners ferry them on a cart along
the road at Chabahil in Kathmandu on Wednesday‚ December 14‚ 2011 http://thehimalayantimes.com/photos.php?imageId=11483&keyword=++++++%0D%0A+++++Hapless+poultry+await+slaughter+as+th
14 Dec, 2011
|
Friday, December 2, 2011
Nepal: Govt declares crisis in bird-flu hit Manahara‚ Lokanthali
Govt declares emergency in bird-flu hit Manahara‚ Lokanthali
2011-12-02 7:27 PM
KATHMANDU: The government on Friday has declared the bird flu-hit Lokanthali and Manahara area of Bhaktapur district in the Capital Valley as an 'emergency area.'
The meeting of the Council of Ministers held at its office in Singha Durbar in the Capital this evening also decided to work effectively to prevent further spread of the bird flu outbreak.
Earlier on Monday, the government had declared poultry farm of Chandra Bahadur Tamang near Manohara Khola ‘a bird flu zone’ and had mobilised a Rapid Response Team in the area.
Tamang had reported the incident to the Directorate of Animal Health on November 10-11 as 35 chickens died in his poultry farm. They were later found to have died of bird flu.
Bhaktapur is the second largest chicken producing district in Nepal. According to the District Veterinary Office, the district produces 10,000 kg of chicken and 150,000 eggs every day.
Similarly, the Ministry of Health has put in place high alert programme in 26 districts, which are reported to be the most vulnerable for bird flu outbreak.
http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Govt+declares+emergency+in+bird-flu+hit+Manahara%E2%80%9A+Lokanthali&NewsID=311341
Govt declares crisis in bird-flu hit Manahara area of Bhaktapur http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Govt+declares+emergency+in+bird-flu+hit+Manahara%26sbquo%3B+Lokanthali&NewsID=311341
2011-12-02 7:27 PM
http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Govt+declares+emergency+in+bird-flu+hit+Manahara%E2%80%9A+Lokanthali&NewsID=311341
Govt declares crisis in bird-flu hit Manahara area of Bhaktapur http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Govt+declares+emergency+in+bird-flu+hit+Manahara%26sbquo%3B+Lokanthali&NewsID=311341
Nepal gov't says no bird flu in the capital
If you believe them.. eat all the chickens you can! If there is no bird flu..why is it a Crisis??
Capital free of Bird-flu: Govt
Ekantipur Report 
KATHMANDU, DEC 02 - The government has claimed that all the samples taken for investigating for Avian Influenza (more commonly known as Bird-flu) have tested negative.
Organising a press conference in the Capital, the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) has claimed that there is no Bird-flu in the Capital and outside the Valley and there is no need to panic. The government has urged all to consume animal products.
“None of the samples collected from anywhere in the country has shown any trace of the disease. Henceforth, we urge all to consume animal (especially chicken) products without any hesitation,” said DLS Director General Nara Bahadur Rajwar.
The government since Wednesday had intensified investigation after some traces of the H5N1 virus were found at the poultry farm of Chandra Bahadur Tamang, on the bank of Manohara River in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality of Bhaktapur. Many poultry livestock were killed during the investigation.
The owners of the birds that were slaughtered got a total amount of Rs 39,862 as compensation. Officials had killed 308 chickens and ducks and destroyed 14 eggs and around 2 kg of poultry feed. Officials said no one in the area has developed symptoms of bird flu, while those who have been complaining of the symptoms have already been given ‘symptomatic treatment’.
Posted on: 2011-12-02 07:03 http://www.ekantipur.com/2011/12/02/top-story/capital-free-of-bird-flu-govt/344846/
Organising a press conference in the Capital, the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) has claimed that there is no Bird-flu in the Capital and outside the Valley and there is no need to panic. The government has urged all to consume animal products.
“None of the samples collected from anywhere in the country has shown any trace of the disease. Henceforth, we urge all to consume animal (especially chicken) products without any hesitation,” said DLS Director General Nara Bahadur Rajwar.
The government since Wednesday had intensified investigation after some traces of the H5N1 virus were found at the poultry farm of Chandra Bahadur Tamang, on the bank of Manohara River in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality of Bhaktapur. Many poultry livestock were killed during the investigation.
The owners of the birds that were slaughtered got a total amount of Rs 39,862 as compensation. Officials had killed 308 chickens and ducks and destroyed 14 eggs and around 2 kg of poultry feed. Officials said no one in the area has developed symptoms of bird flu, while those who have been complaining of the symptoms have already been given ‘symptomatic treatment’.
Posted on: 2011-12-02 07:03 http://www.ekantipur.com/2011/12/02/top-story/capital-free-of-bird-flu-govt/344846/
OIE Report-Highly pathogenic avian influenza,
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, Nepal |
Information received on 02/12/2011 from Dr Ram Krishna Khatiwada, Programme Director , Directorate of Animal Health , Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, Kathmandu, Nepal
Summary
| Report type | Immediate notification |
| Start date | 10/11/2011 |
| Date of first confirmation of the event | 14/11/2011 |
| Report date | 02/12/2011 |
| Date submitted to OIE | 02/12/2011 |
| Reason for notification | Reoccurrence of a listed disease |
| Date of previous occurrence | 30/10/2010 |
| Manifestation of disease | Clinical disease |
| Causal agent | Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus |
| Serotype | H5N1 |
| Nature of diagnosis | Clinical, Laboratory (basic), Laboratory (advanced), Necropsy |
| This event pertains to | the whole country |
New outbreaks
| Outbreak 1 | Manahara Phat, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality - 16, Bhaktapur, BAGMATI | ||||||||||||
| Date of start of the outbreak | 10/11/2011 | ||||||||||||
| Outbreak status | Continuing (or date resolved not provided) | ||||||||||||
| Epidemiological unit | Village | ||||||||||||
| Affected animals |
| ||||||||||||
| Affected Population | Backyard chicken and duck population | ||||||||||||
| Summary of outbreaks | Total outbreaks: 1 | ||||||||||||
| Outbreak statistics |
* Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter |
Epidemiology
| Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection |
|
| Epidemiological comments | Stamping out activity was completed on 29 November 2011 and cleaning and disinfection of the infected premises were completed on 30 November 2011. Post-operative surveillance activities are ongoing and no further cases in other areas have been detected so far. |
Control measures
| Measures applied |
|
| Measures to be applied |
|
Diagnostic test results
| Laboratory name and type | Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) (National laboratory) | ||||||||||||
| Tests and results |
| ||||||||||||
| Laboratory name and type | Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge, United Kingdom (OIE’s Reference Laboratory) | ||||||||||||
| Tests and results |
|
Bird flu in Nepal hits hard
[this reporter has changed H1N1 for H5N1 which is what he meant]
Bird flu in Nepal hits hard
Government official have declared the Lokanthali Height in the East, squatters’ village in the North, Manohara River in the West and the Bhaktapur main road in the South as the bird flu-affected area and preventive measure are taken at high rates to stop it from spreading. The diagnosis was confirmed when the reports caused the death of the chicken of a local Chandra Bahadur Tamang to have died with the infection of H1N1 virus. The area is highly monitored for the next 42 days.
Bhaktapur is the second largest chicken producing district in Nepal with a daily production of 10,000 kg of chicken and 150,000 eggs. The Directorate of Animal Health has mobilized a Rapid Response Team to destroy affected fowls. Yesterday, the team destroyed 232 ducks, 76 chickens and 17 eggs after they tested positive for H1N1 virus.
According to officials, “Chicken samples were collected within 3-km radius from Tamang’s home and they all tested negative. People should take precaution in maintaining safety and hygiene to prohibit this disease.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kathmandu, Nepal: In the outcry of the fear of the H1N1 Virus more than two dozen schools have been shut down in bird flu affected zone in Bhaktapur from Friday to Monday. The closure came in action with the public pressure, highlighting the fear and infection of the virus. Different teams have been setup by the Nepal government to deal with the virus infected area and a tight surveillance has been maintained to contain the virus.
According to government official, “The virus to this is contained with in the zone there is nothing to fear about. People should take preventive measure but it’s not a situation to panic about. We urge the public to stay calm and maintain usual life. Chicken and poultry product that are infected have been destroyed and those uninfected have been given the medicine.
With the fear of bird flu people have started to feel vulnerable and have shown strong opinion towards the people of the infected areas which to some extent has been seen as one of the major issues. Government agencies and NGO’s are working tightly to raising awareness about the H1N1 virus.
People living in the Birdflu zone are going under strict medical test and till now no victim has been found positive with the H1N1 virus. http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-711348?ref=feeds%2Flatest
Bhaktapur is the second largest chicken producing district in Nepal with a daily production of 10,000 kg of chicken and 150,000 eggs. The Directorate of Animal Health has mobilized a Rapid Response Team to destroy affected fowls. Yesterday, the team destroyed 232 ducks, 76 chickens and 17 eggs after they tested positive for H1N1 virus.
According to officials, “Chicken samples were collected within 3-km radius from Tamang’s home and they all tested negative. People should take precaution in maintaining safety and hygiene to prohibit this disease.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kathmandu, Nepal: In the outcry of the fear of the H1N1 Virus more than two dozen schools have been shut down in bird flu affected zone in Bhaktapur from Friday to Monday. The closure came in action with the public pressure, highlighting the fear and infection of the virus. Different teams have been setup by the Nepal government to deal with the virus infected area and a tight surveillance has been maintained to contain the virus.
According to government official, “The virus to this is contained with in the zone there is nothing to fear about. People should take preventive measure but it’s not a situation to panic about. We urge the public to stay calm and maintain usual life. Chicken and poultry product that are infected have been destroyed and those uninfected have been given the medicine.
With the fear of bird flu people have started to feel vulnerable and have shown strong opinion towards the people of the infected areas which to some extent has been seen as one of the major issues. Government agencies and NGO’s are working tightly to raising awareness about the H1N1 virus.
People living in the Birdflu zone are going under strict medical test and till now no victim has been found positive with the H1N1 virus. http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-711348?ref=feeds%2Flatest
Nepal-5-member team to observe bird flu alert
Service response team formed
KATHMANDU, DEC 02 -
The Division has formed the team including experts on Thursday for observing high alert as bird flu was detected in the Kathmandu Valley.
Dr. Rabi Kiran Kafle and Dr. Pramod Khanal of World Health Organization (WHO), Public Health Inspector of the Division, Kumar Prasad Dahal and Public Health Inspector of the National Health Education Information and Communication Centre Ran Bahadur Gharti are in the team.
According to Public Health Inspector of the team Kumar Prasad Dahal, isolation ward and lab are in standby for treatment in the centre for any person if found suffering from fever, neck pain and respiratory problem.
Dahal informed that no infection of the disease has been detected on people so far.
Posted on: 2011-12-02 04:32
http://www.ekantipur.com/2011/12/02/capital/service-response-team-formed/344841.html
http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=5-member+team+to+observe+bird+flu+alert&NewsID=311330
KATHMANDU, DEC 02 -
A team of doctors from the Department of Health‚ Directorate of Animal Health‚ Division of Avian Influenza and Animal Rapid destroying the ducks and chickens on the suspicion of Bird Flu at Manahara in Madhyapur Thimi-16‚ Bhaktapur on Tuesday‚ November 29‚ 2011. The flu was confirmed after the sample of the chicks was sent to London‚ the UK‚ for the lab test. Following the confirmation‚ around 1300 chicken and ducks were destroyed in the district today as per the government's decision.
The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division has formed a five-member Service Response Team to observe high alert from bird flu.The Division has formed the team including experts on Thursday for observing high alert as bird flu was detected in the Kathmandu Valley.
Dr. Rabi Kiran Kafle and Dr. Pramod Khanal of World Health Organization (WHO), Public Health Inspector of the Division, Kumar Prasad Dahal and Public Health Inspector of the National Health Education Information and Communication Centre Ran Bahadur Gharti are in the team.
According to Public Health Inspector of the team Kumar Prasad Dahal, isolation ward and lab are in standby for treatment in the centre for any person if found suffering from fever, neck pain and respiratory problem.
Dahal informed that no infection of the disease has been detected on people so far.
Posted on: 2011-12-02 04:32
http://www.ekantipur.com/2011/12/02/capital/service-response-team-formed/344841.html
http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=5-member+team+to+observe+bird+flu+alert&NewsID=311330
Nepal: High Alert Issued, WHO Mobilized To Area
Nepal issues high alert against bird flu
PTI | 03:12 PM,Dec 02,2011
From Shirish B Pradhan Kathmandu, Dec 2 (PTI) Nepal government has issued high alert against bird flu after receiving confirmed reports of 'Avian Influenza' in dozens of chickens in Manahara river area of Bhakatapur district in the eastern part of Kathmandu valley.
After some 90 birds died over the period of 2-3 days in a poultry farm in Manahara, the government had conducted tests on the birds which confirmed presence of bird flu, according to officials at the Department of Epidemiology under Health Ministry. Some 500 birds including 250 ducks and 75 chickens were killed and dozens of eggs were destroyed after the incident.
The samples sent to the laboratory at VLA, Weybridge, UK confirmed the presence of H5N1 (Avian Influenza) virus in the birds, said the officials. A Rapid Response Team has been dispatched to the side immediately after the incident. Instruction has been given not to use any bird or poultry products of the affected area. A Surveillance and Response Team consisting of experts from World Health Organization has also been mobilised to conduct close monitoring of the area, an official said. High alert has been sounded across the country through District Health Centres across the country as well as in the capital, the official said. The Health Ministry has also launched public awareness campaign in the capital to check the spread of the flu. As there is no case of bird flu found in the people after conducting tests, there is no need to panic, the official said.
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/nepal-issues-high-alert-against-bird-flu/921354.html
Nepal: Map of Schools Closed Due To #H5N1 #Birdflu Outbreak
Excerpt from article, located here:
Click on map:
The time lag between the time of the detection and the time of intervention signals a dangerous apathy towards public health. Outbreak so close to a major population centre and country’s only international airport cannot be taken lightly. If the virus mutates among humans, it can quickly get transmitted among a large populations—crossing the border with travelers in no time. That could lead to flight cancellations and the whole country being quarantined, a possibility that shows the risk of neglecting a manageable situation that can spiral into a massive health and economic crisis.
Click on map:
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Nepal-Banke alert against #bird flu
| Banke alert against bird flu |
By Our Correspondent |
Banke, Dec. 1 After the detection of bird flu virus at Bhaktpaur, the district of Banke has been placed under high alert. According to Janak Ram Bhandari, Chief District Animal Health Office, the symptom of bird flu has not detected in the district, which adjoins the India with its porous border. The authority has regularly been monitoring 60 entry points at different 12 places of the district, he said. After the bird flu detection, they have continued the monitoring of the areas. It has sent some samples to the center suspecting them of having bird flu virus but the examination at the centre found no virus in the samples, according to office. Because of the detection of bird flu virus and its open border with India, the authority has placed the district under its strict surveillance. The bird flu virus was detected at Banke in 2066/67 and 67/68 fiscal years. Around three years ago, the local administration had restricted the import of chickens and other bird species from India. However, lots of such items entered Nepal illegally through the open border, the authority said. The personnel of the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police both involved in destroying illegal fowls, eggs and other bird enemies that entered into the Nepali side illegally, the office added. |
Nepal-26 districts vulnerable for #Bird Flu outbreak
26 districts vulnerable for Bird Flu outbreak
2011-12-02 9:22
AMNEPALGUNJ: The Health Ministry has put in place high alert programme in 26 districts, which are reported to be the most vulnerable for bird flu outbreak.
Under the first phase, measures are being taken to put special vigilance, constant monitoring of poultry related business, awareness creating training and prevention tips in eight districts including Nawalparasi, Chitwan, Banke, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari and Saptari.
Likewise, Livestock Service Office of the high-risk districts have set up surveillance points in different places and put forward campaigns to protect people from imminent threats posed by the bird flu outbreak, said Public Health Expert Kriti Sagar Baral.
The Health Ministry has been cautious to provide necessary human resources, medicines, vaccines and equipments in the vulnerable districts, said Officer at the Centre of National Health, Education, Information and Communication, Ramji Ghimire http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=+26+districts+vulnerable+for+Bird+Flu+outbreak&NewsID=311289
2011-12-02 9:22
AMNEPALGUNJ: The Health Ministry has put in place high alert programme in 26 districts, which are reported to be the most vulnerable for bird flu outbreak.
Under the first phase, measures are being taken to put special vigilance, constant monitoring of poultry related business, awareness creating training and prevention tips in eight districts including Nawalparasi, Chitwan, Banke, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari and Saptari.
Likewise, Livestock Service Office of the high-risk districts have set up surveillance points in different places and put forward campaigns to protect people from imminent threats posed by the bird flu outbreak, said Public Health Expert Kriti Sagar Baral.
The Health Ministry has been cautious to provide necessary human resources, medicines, vaccines and equipments in the vulnerable districts, said Officer at the Centre of National Health, Education, Information and Communication, Ramji Ghimire http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=+26+districts+vulnerable+for+Bird+Flu+outbreak&NewsID=311289
Nepal-locals complain of symptoms similar to that of #bird flu.
Govt response: Cursory probe, lax quarantineKATHMANDU, DEC 01 -
A day after officials confirmed bird flu in Bhaktapur and quar antined the area, many locals in and around Madhyapur Thimi Municipality on Wednesday complained of symptoms similar to that of bird flu.
Sita Rai, a resident near the site of the outbreak, said she has sore throat, fever, cough and muscle ache.
However, two health officials at the site, who stayed for less than 20 minutes in the area, said she is fine and that there is nothing to worry about.
The officials, however, did not give much chance to Rai to explain her symptoms, this reporter witnessed. They checked her blood pressure and gave her a medicine for headache.
Government officials have claimed that humans have not been infected with the H5N1 virus. Janak Kumari Tamang also said she is having breathing problems since the past few days.
Director of the National Public Health Laboratory Dr Geeta Shakya said a careful surveillance is needed when it comes to human beings as the bird flu mortality rate among them is very high.
“The veterinary confirmed that the virus is the H5N1 strain,” Shakya said.
Despite claims from officials of the Rapid Response Team (RRT), deployed in the outbreak area on Tuesday that they have instructed the locals on how to adopt precautionary measures, the residents there vented their ire, saying that the government officials did not spare time to explain the action they took on Tuesday.
“The officials, with all the safety gear and masks, just came in and started slaughtering fowls,” one Deepak Ghising said.
“We were not told about precautionary measures we should take.”
Over 300 chickens and ducks were slaughtered on the banks of the Manohara river on Tuesday following the outbreak at a small-scale poultry farm.
However, claims that all fowls at the outbreak site were slaughtered were not substantiated. There were still many ducks in the pond, abutting around 42 shanties.
Dr Ram Parichan Shah of the Bhaktapur veterinary office, who visited the site on Wednesday, said the ducks belong to other nearby areas and are probably not infected.
However, local residents said that the pond is the only place where ducks from the entire area come to swim.
Near the site of the outbreak, there were other concerns too.
The area has big pig farms. “We have 42 houses and each house has over 20 pigs,” Chandra Bahadur Tamang, a local, said.
The 2009 flu outbreak (H1N1, also known as swine flu) was caused by the triple reassortment of the bird, swine and human flu viruses, further aggravated by the Eurasian pig flu virus, according to the World Health Organization.
“The 2009 flu has become a seasonal flu and we need not worry about it right now,” said Dr Narayan Prasad Ghimire, the coordinator of the experts’ team and a senior veterinary doctor. “Given the situation at the (outbreak) site we cannot rule out a pandemic in Nepal.”
But Ghimire also sought to allay fears and said that nothing further has been confirmed so far. “We are keeping the pigs under continuous surveillance, while tests have not confirmed anything yet. Until and unless we confirm the facts, people need not panic.”
http://www.ekantipur.com/2011/12/01/top-story/govt-response-cursory-probe-lax-quarantine/344732/
Nepal-Virus menace
Virus menace
The detection of bird flu in the Valley, so close to a large human population centre is a cause for a serious concern but the government response to the outbreak so far is inadequate. Poultry farmer Chandra Bahadur Tamang had first complained on November 10 after 90 chickens in his farm died during the previous two days. But the government authorities only acted on November 29. The first test carried out here in Nepal had confirmed the presence of H5N1 virus, but then it was sent to Veterinary Laboratory Agency in the United Kingdom for reconfirmation. Being certain of the results is the right thing to do, but so is maintaining adequate surveillance in the area to check the spread of the virus during the period. The confirmation from lab test in UK had arrived late last Friday,
but government officials responsible for providing critical services, failed to act on the same day, and the day after, citing public holidays.
Even after the health officials decided to intervene on Sunday, the Rapid Response Team (RRT) of the Health Ministry didn’t follow the procedure properly. They culled suspected birds, but failed to maintain an effective quarantine of the area which will have to last for 42 days. The culling process itself shows negligence. RRT members donned in protective suit culled the fowls and disinfected areas on Tuesday, while locals with no protection were allowed to wonder in and around the site. The locals weren’t instructed about basic precautionary measures. This ignores the fact that during an outbreak of avian influenza, there is a risk of infection for people who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds. To add to the problem, the site of the outbreak also has pig farms. This heightens the risk of creating an entirely new virus. The 2009 flu outbreak (H1N1, also known as swine flu) was caused by the triple assortment of the bird, swine and human flu viruses, according to the World Health Organization. What makes the matter grave is that the locals in the area have begun complaining about
symptoms similar to that of bird flu, yet officials continue to be dismissive. These symptoms may very well be normal flu symptoms, but government doctors have only offered cursory
observation and the implementation of the quarantine has been lax, at best.
One systemic flaw is apparent in the government’s response. Why isn’t health services part of emergency service kept in a state of readiness 24/7? Such critical responsibility for containing an outbreak of potential pandemic must have an automatic trigger. The time lag between the time of the detection and the time of intervention signals a dangerous apathy towards public health. Outbreak so close to a major population centre and country’s only international airport cannot be taken lightly. If the virus mutates among humans, it can quickly get transmitted among a large populations—crossing the border with travelers in no time. That could lead to flight cancellations and the whole country being quarantined, a possibility that shows the risk of neglecting a manageable situation that can spiral into a massive health and economic crisis.
The detection of bird flu in the Valley, so close to a large human population centre is a cause for a serious concern but the government response to the outbreak so far is inadequate. Poultry farmer Chandra Bahadur Tamang had first complained on November 10 after 90 chickens in his farm died during the previous two days. But the government authorities only acted on November 29. The first test carried out here in Nepal had confirmed the presence of H5N1 virus, but then it was sent to Veterinary Laboratory Agency in the United Kingdom for reconfirmation. Being certain of the results is the right thing to do, but so is maintaining adequate surveillance in the area to check the spread of the virus during the period. The confirmation from lab test in UK had arrived late last Friday,
but government officials responsible for providing critical services, failed to act on the same day, and the day after, citing public holidays.
Even after the health officials decided to intervene on Sunday, the Rapid Response Team (RRT) of the Health Ministry didn’t follow the procedure properly. They culled suspected birds, but failed to maintain an effective quarantine of the area which will have to last for 42 days. The culling process itself shows negligence. RRT members donned in protective suit culled the fowls and disinfected areas on Tuesday, while locals with no protection were allowed to wonder in and around the site. The locals weren’t instructed about basic precautionary measures. This ignores the fact that during an outbreak of avian influenza, there is a risk of infection for people who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds. To add to the problem, the site of the outbreak also has pig farms. This heightens the risk of creating an entirely new virus. The 2009 flu outbreak (H1N1, also known as swine flu) was caused by the triple assortment of the bird, swine and human flu viruses, according to the World Health Organization. What makes the matter grave is that the locals in the area have begun complaining about
symptoms similar to that of bird flu, yet officials continue to be dismissive. These symptoms may very well be normal flu symptoms, but government doctors have only offered cursory
observation and the implementation of the quarantine has been lax, at best.
One systemic flaw is apparent in the government’s response. Why isn’t health services part of emergency service kept in a state of readiness 24/7? Such critical responsibility for containing an outbreak of potential pandemic must have an automatic trigger. The time lag between the time of the detection and the time of intervention signals a dangerous apathy towards public health. Outbreak so close to a major population centre and country’s only international airport cannot be taken lightly. If the virus mutates among humans, it can quickly get transmitted among a large populations—crossing the border with travelers in no time. That could lead to flight cancellations and the whole country being quarantined, a possibility that shows the risk of neglecting a manageable situation that can spiral into a massive health and economic crisis.
Nepal-#Bird Flu outbreak: Stigmatised, say locals; 25 private schools shut
Officials said no one in the area has developed symptoms of bird flu, while those who have been complaining of the symptoms have already been given ‘symptomatic treatment’..
Bird Flu outbreak: Stigmatised, say locals; 25 private schools shut
KATHMANDU, DEC 02 -
People living in and around the bird flu outbreak site in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality in Bhaktapur district on Thursday said they are being stigmatised and that their children have been harassed in schools.
Twenty-five private schools at Lokanthali and Gatthaghar have been closed for three days—Friday to Monday—due to the outbreak, affecting hundreds of students.
“Whenever I go to Koteshwor, people who know me avoid me,” said a seemingly frustrated Deepesh Ghising.
The locals there lashed out at government officials and the media.
Government officials who visited the site to make people aware of the precautionary measures could not communicate properly with the irate locals.
“The officials came and slaughtered the fowls. And now people
have started avoiding our children too,” an irate resident said, adding that her daughter was sent back from school.
“We have already lost our source of livelihood to the flu. And our children, for whom we have been doing all this, are being stigmatised,” the local woman added.
District secretary of Private and Boarding Schools Organisation (PABSON), Bhaktapur, Shree Krishna KC said many students from the outbreak site were facing problems in school as others tried to avoid them—forcing school authorities to close down 25 schools lying in the periphery of the site. KC said PABSON came up with the decision to shut the schools after the government did not take proper precautionary measures. “Also, parents pressured us to shut the schools to protect the children,” KC said.
Meanwhile, people at the outbreak site said they were not satisfied with the compensation they got for their fowls from the government. The owners of the birds that were slughtered got a total amount of Rs 39,862 as compensation. Officials had killed 308 chickens and ducks and destroyed 14 eggs and around 2 kg of poultry feed. Officials said no one in the area has developed symptoms of bird flu, while those who have been complaining of the symptoms have already been given ‘symptomatic treatment’.
“The symptoms are different in each case, while the flu threat is minimal in the area. Chemicals have been spread in every nook and corner of the shanties,” Kumar Dahal, the Public Health Inspector and an official of the Avian Influenza Control Project (AICP) said. He added that people are prone to the virus for a week after the outbreak. “However, almost 20 days have passed now and we don’t have much to fear,” Dahal said.
Posted on: 2011-12-02 07:21
http://www.ekantipur.com/2011/12/02/top-story/bird-flu-outbreak-stigmatised-say-locals-25-private-schools-shut/344797.html
A young Nepalese boy carries a chicken towards the site of a bird culling operation
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| A young Nepalese boy carries a chicken towards the site of a bird culling operation http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jd8KXo-tOki4vtBJMt0tdGcF7pSg?docId=CNG.e8df67eccdcff23ae64aa96215cea32a.61 |
500 birds culled after reports of bird flu in Nepal
01/12/2011
500 birds culled after reports of bird flu in Nepal
kathmandu, Dec 1 (PTI) At least 500 chickens and ducks have been culled and hundreds of eggs destroyed following the first reported outbreak of bird flu in one of the poultry farms in the Kathmandu Valley, official said today
After some 100 chickens died in the poultry the preliminary tests showed bird flu symptoms in the incident.
Five hundred chickens and ducks have been killed and dozens of eggs have been destroyed in the last three days, the official said.
Two dozen schools in Bhaktapur district in Kathmandu valley have also been closed since Friday after bird flu panic gripped Bhaktapur district.
The Private And Boarding School Organisation of Nepal (PABSON) has decided to close down the schools in the district till Monday after bird flu has been suspected in different parts of Bhaktapur and Kathmandu districts, according to the organisation.
Four pigeons have also died in Kaushaltar area of Bhaktapur district on Wednesday and bird flu has been suspected in the incident.
Similarly, reports have poured about birds falling sick from Thankot and Lazimpat in the outskirt of the capital city on Wednesday.
Samples birds killed of illness have been sent to the laboratory of the Animal Hospital situated in Tripureshwor in Kathmandu for test, according to officials.
The number of people coming for treatment of sick birds has also been rising over the past few days, according to the hospital sources.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Rajendra Mahato said that the government''s attention has been drawn to the suspected bird flu incidents and the government is preparing for necessary action to control the outbreak of the diseases, he told PTI.
The government has mobilised Rapid Response Team to the affected area and necessary precautions have been taken to check spreading of the disease in the area.
http://news.in.msn.com/international/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5641263
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