Bird Flu Outbreak in Nepal: Addressing Myths and Facts

Bird flu outbreak has been observed in various districts of Nepal for the past few months. According to the latest data from the Department of Animal Services, bird flu has been diagnosed in more than 140 locations across 11 districts of Nepal. To control bird flu, the Government of Nepal has already destroyed approximately 750,000 birds, 1,050,000 eggs, and 200 tons of feed.

Bird flu, or Avian Influenza (H5N1), is a viral infectious disease affecting chickens and other birds. It is considered particularly important as it is a zoonotic disease that can spread from infected birds or bird products to humans. Currently, various misconceptions about this disease are spreading among the general public, from social media to tea stalls, causing unnecessary fear, and leading to a significant decrease in the consumption of chicken eggs and meat even in areas where the disease has not been observed.

Let's understand the major misconceptions prevalent in society about this disease and their scientific facts:

1. Do not eat chicken meat and eggs

Myth: When bird flu is spreading, eating chicken meat or eggs will cause bird flu, so chicken meat and eggs should not be eaten.

Fact: The bird flu virus is sensitive to heat. If chicken meat and eggs are cooked thoroughly at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius, the virus is completely destroyed. Therefore, eating well-cooked meat and eggs does not transmit bird flu. However, people who raise chickens with bird flu, cut meat, and cook meat must take necessary precautions. When working in a chicken farm and cutting meat, personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, boots, and goggles must be used. Dead or sick chickens should be safely buried in a dug pit without touching them with bare hands. After handling raw meat and finishing work, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Raw meat should be kept separate from other cooked foods.

2. This disease spreads easily to humans

Myth: Like corona or common cold, bird flu also spreads very easily and quickly from person to person.

Fact: So far, human bird flu infections have been found to be rare. This virus can spread to individuals who come into direct contact with infected live or dead chickens, their droppings, or feces. To date, there is no data on human-to-human transmission of this disease.

3. Vegetarians are completely safe from bird flu

Myth: I don't eat meat or eggs, so I am unlikely to get bird flu.

Fact: The main reason for contracting bird flu is not just eating meat. If a vegetarian is involved in the transportation of infected chickens or comes into direct contact with an infected environment (feces, feathers, etc.), they can also contract the disease.

4. All chickens and birds have this virus

Myth: After the bird flu outbreak, all chickens and birds available in the market and raised at home are infected.

Fact: This infection is limited to birds in certain specific areas or farms. For example, so far, the disease has only appeared in some places in the Koshi and Bagmati provinces. Commercial farms adopt biosecurity measures, and the government destroys chickens, eggs, and feed from affected areas, thus minimizing the possibility of infected chickens and eggs entering the market.

5. There is no cure for bird flu and humans die immediately after contracting it

Myth: Once bird flu is contracted by humans, there is no cure, and death is certain.

Fact: If bird flu infection is detected in humans, it can be prevented with antiviral medications under the advice of a doctor in the early stages. However, if not treated in time, bird flu can be fatal. In most humans, the symptoms are mild to moderate, and with timely treatment, people recover completely. The number of human deaths from bird flu (H5N1) worldwide in the last 29 years is less than five hundred.

6. When many chickens die, it is bird flu

Myth: When chickens die, they have died from bird flu.

Fact: Chickens can also die in large numbers due to diseases like Newcastle disease, Gumboro, and other illnesses or poisoning. It can only be confirmed whether it is bird flu or not after scientific testing at the Central Veterinary Laboratory.

7. The eggshell does not transmit the virus, so handling raw eggs is safe

Myth: The virus can only be inside the egg; touching the outer shell is harmless.

Fact: Droppings or feces of infected chickens may adhere to the eggshell. Therefore, after touching raw eggs or using them in the kitchen, hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and water, otherwise, the infection can spread.

8. All influenza are bird flu

Myth: All types of flu or influenza viruses are bird flu, and they all spread only from birds.

Fact: Influenza is a large family of viruses, with many subtypes. Avian influenza affecting chickens mainly comes in two types. H5 and H7 avian influenza affecting chickens are zoonotic types, known as bird flu, while H9 avian influenza does not spread to humans. The common cold we get with seasonal changes and bird flu affecting poultry are diseases caused by different viruses. Therefore, not all influenza are bird flu.

9. Bird flu spreads only in cold weather

Myth: Bird flu is a winter disease; it disappears completely with the onset of summer, and there is no risk.

Fact: It is natural for outbreaks to be more common in cold weather when viruses are more active and birds migrate. However, looking at the statistics of bird flu outbreaks in Nepal, this disease can occur in any month.

Veterinarian, Animal Disease Research Laboratory, Pokhara