Lamjung district bans poultry, egg imports

By Nabin Raj Kuinkel,Lamjung, Apr. 2: A ban has been imposed on the import of poultry and eggs from other districts in Lamjung, considering the potential risk of bird flu. 

The decision was taken at a meeting of the District Bird Flu Control Committee held on Tuesday following discussions with local poultry entrepreneurs.

The meeting, chaired by Chief District Officer and Committee Coordinator Krishna Prasad Khanal, was informed about the risks, likelihood and current situation of bird flu infection in the district by member secretary and chief of the Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Centre, Lamjung, Dr. Sunil Neupane.

Dr. Neupane informed that the decision to halt the import of ready poultry, eggs and other meat products was taken to prevent the possible spread of bird flu infection, which has recently been detected in places including Chitwan. However, if chicks need to be brought in from outside the district, it has been made mandatory to obtain a veterinary health certificate.

The meeting also decided that no cases of bird flu have been detected in any birds in the district in recent years, and decided to maintain high alertness to prevent any future outbreak. 

The Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Centre has stated that it will continue regular sample testing at poultry farms across the district as part of disease control efforts.

In addition, plans have been made to conduct awareness programmes related to bird flu and to disseminate information through the media.

Bird flu is a viral disease affecting birds, commonly found in wild birds. 

It spreads very rapidly among poultry and can easily be transmitted through contact with infected birds. 

The disease has caused significant losses to the poultry farming sector at various times.