Restrictions Sought on Frozen Chicken Imports

Approximately 54 poultry producers in Sarpang, a southern district of Bhutan, have filed a collective petition with the national poultry development authority. Their request focuses on implementing controls over the growing volume of frozen chicken being brought into the nation.

The farmers express concern that increasing imports are affecting local production viability and market conditions for domestic poultry operations.

Avian Influenza Returns to Multiple Sites

Veterinary officials have confirmed five additional outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza at various backyard poultry operations near the national highway in Chhukha district.

The World Organisation for Animal Health received the fourth follow-up notification on 2 March. Records indicate 1,405 birds were at risk, with 60 confirmed cases and 36 fatalities. Authorities destroyed 1,361 birds as a containment measure. The outbreak's origin remains under investigation.

Disease Resurfaces in Capital Region

The World Organisation for Animal Health received follow-up reports on 17 and 18 January documenting new cases. According to the initial follow-up notification, the affected population consists of backyard poultry farms within Thimphu City, with the outbreak identified on 13 January.

H5N1 Confirmed in Thimphu District

Authorities have verified 87 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Thimphu, Bhutan's capital district. Health and veterinary officials are implementing containment protocols to prevent further transmission.

Import Restrictions Remain Active

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forests issued a statement reinforcing the prohibition on poultry and poultry product imports from Nepal. This decision follows Nepal's 5 December 2010 report to the OIE indicating unresolved avian influenza concerns.

The ministry confirmed the ban will stay in effect pending further developments.

Mortality Event Reported at Samtse Farm

District livestock officials in Samtse documented 86 poultry deaths between 12 and 17 August 2010 at a semi-commercial operation owned by an operator in Yodseltse geog. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.

Newcastle Disease Outbreak in Samtse

A Newcastle disease outbreak at a poultry farm in Yoseltse Geog has resulted in significant bird losses, according to Bhutan Broadcasting Service. All fatalities occurred at a single operation in Suntalbari village, where the owner lost more than 80 chickens.

Producer Awaits Answers on Flock Deaths

A poultry operator in Trashigang awaits laboratory results to determine what caused the death of 386 hens out of 720 birds between 27 April and 29 May this year, reports Kuensel Online.

The farm manager noted that no mortality occurred during the first three months of the year. On 27 April, 35 hens died - the highest single-day loss since the farm's establishment in September 2007.

Additional Cases Verified

The veterinary authority submitted Follow Up Report No. 3 to the World Organisation for Animal Health on 25 March, documenting continued monitoring of the disease situation.

New HPAI Case at Border Region

One new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been identified in the border area with India. Authorities are implementing standard containment and monitoring protocols.

H5N1 Strain Identified

A new outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza has been officially reported by veterinary authorities.

Local Egg Supply Strengthens in Trashigang

With growing participation in backyard poultry farming, Trashigang now benefits from abundant local egg production. The expanding number of small-scale producers has improved availability of domestically produced eggs throughout the district.