Although the country has not witnessed any case of avian influenza, the government is taking precautions to prevent possible cases with the help of local authorities, informed spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Dr. Hari Dahal.
Dahal said the government had launched preparedness programme and strengthened surveillance of any import of chicken and poultry products from India.
Bird flu had struck Matigada of Siliguri in West Bengal on Jan. 2. Two weeks ago, it struck Malda of the Indian state, which borders eastern Nepal.
The country remains vulnerable to bird flu, given the widespread cross-border import of eggs and chickens.
The country also has a large poultry industry, which represents almost 10 percent of its agricultural gross domestic product.
All local government authorities in the regions bordering India have been told to remain on high alert and immediately report cases of unusual death of birds to the Ministry and Department of Animal Husbandry, said Dahal. Surveillance teams are being trained and a team will soon be sent to Jhapa district to step up surveillance.
The government urged the general public not to use white eggs and poultry products imported from India.
Dahal said the government has already stockpiled personal protective equipment and anti-viral medicines in all high-alert districts.
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