Bird flu detected in dead crows at TU premises in Kirtipur

Kirtipur, March 24: Avian Influenza has been confirmed in crows found dead on the premises of Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur.

A joint team from Kirtipur Municipality and the Animal Health Department collected dozens of dead crows from the university area and disposed of them safely on Tuesday.

According to Sushila Gaire, chief of the municipality’s animal service section, 10 crow samples were sent for laboratory testing, which confirmed bird flu infection. Following the confirmation, authorities collected and buried 64 additional dead crows from the site.

The team has also been directed to collect and test samples of any other birds found dead in the area. However, no other species has been reported dead so far.

Officials said controlling the spread is challenging, as wild birds move freely across open areas. The municipality has issued a public notice restricting the transport of poultry feed within the area as a precaution.

Senior veterinarian Mukul Upadhyay said laboratory tests detected both H1N1 and H9 strains of the virus in the dead crows, raising concerns over potential spread.