Kathmandu, Feb 26: Bird flu, also known as avian influenza (H5N1), has been detected in Tarakeshwor, Kathmandu, again.    

The Department of Livestock Services said the virus has been confirmed on a sample from a commercial poultry farm at Tarakeshwor municipality. The test was conducted at the Animal Disease Investigation and Control Division, according to Department's director general Dr. Damayenti Shrestha. This is the second time that Tarakeshwor reports the virus.    

On February 20, the virus was seen in Birendranagar of Surkhet and the site has been totally disinfected now. Following the detection of virus, 5,657 layer chickens, 7,236 broiler chickens, 2,504 local chickens, 50 turkeys were destroyed along with 3,570 eggs and 3000 kilos of poultry food.    

According to Dr Shrestha, Tarakeshwor of Kathmandu in Bagmati Province and Birendranagar of Surkhet in Karnali Province were under surveillance after the outbreak of the virus. ''Besides, we are highly attentive to the possibility of the spread of the virus in other parts as well,'' Shrestha added.    

All possible measures have been taken in cooperation with the livestock service related bodies at the federal, province and local levels to stem the spread of the virus. Domestic fouls and other things probable of transmitting the virus in the infected areas were destroyed.