Bird Flu Confirmed in Dead Crows at Tribhuvan University, Authorities Intensify Surveillance

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Bird Flu Confirmed in Dead Crows at Tribhuvan University, Authorities Intensify Surveillance

Bird Flu Confirmed in Dead Crows at Tribhuvan University, Authorities Intensify Surveillance

Ganesh Khatiwada 2026-03-26 03:17:54

Kathmandu, Nepal - Bird flu infection has been confirmed in a significant number of crows found dead within the premises of Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur, raising fresh concerns over avian disease surveillance and wildlife health management in urban areas.
A joint team from Kirtipur Municipality and the Department of Livestock Services collected a total of 68 dead crows from the university area. Of these, 64 were buried on Wednesday, while authorities reported that additional dead birds remain to be collected, with operations set to continue.
According to Sushila Gaire, Chief of the municipality’s Animal Service Section, the incident was first reported about a week ago by a local resident who noticed multiple dead crows in the Birendra Coronation Garden inside the university premises. Subsequently, 10 samples were sent for laboratory testing, which confirmed the presence of bird flu.
Laboratory findings revealed that the infected crows carried both H5N1 and H9 strains of the avian influenza virus. Senior veterinarian Mukul Upadhyay stated that the infection likely spread from migratory or free-roaming birds, as crows are highly mobile and interact with multiple ecological zones.
Authorities noted that, so far, no unusual deaths have been observed among other bird species in the same area. However, officials warned that controlling the spread in wild birds is significantly more complex than in domesticated poultry due to their open movement patterns.
In response, Kirtipur Municipality has issued a public advisory restricting the transportation of poultry feed within the area as a precautionary measure. Veterinary experts have also urged poultry farmers to strengthen biosecurity by ensuring that farm enclosures prevent contact with wild birds, stray animals such as dogs and cats, and external contaminants.
Experts further cautioned against panic-driven actions such as indiscriminate killing of crows, emphasizing that such measures are both ineffective and ecologically harmful. The public has also been advised not to consume poultry products from unknown or suspicious sources and to avoid feeding dead poultry to other livestock.
This incident highlights the recurring challenge of zoonotic disease risks in urban ecosystems, particularly in regions where wildlife, domestic animals, and human populations closely interact. Authorities have indicated that surveillance and response efforts will continue in the coming days.
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