Avian flu traced in Bhaktapur farm

Samples of dead chicken from a farm in Bhaktapur sent for lab tests have tested positive for Avian influenza (H5N1), officials confirmed on Monday.

The flu had claimed around 1,400 of the 2,000 chickens in Om Bahadur Khadka's farm, said Dr Narayan Prasad Ghimire, senior Veterinarian at Animal Health Directorate.

Dr Ghimire, who is leading a government team overseeing the flu-hit area, told Nepalnews that authorities have culled all the chicken being raised at the farm. The team, which has already returned back from the site, said it has informed the locals about the situation and told them to take precautions. nepalnews.com