"Bird-flu in Nepal?"

Birds such as pigeons, chicken, ducks and other wild birds have died in a village in the eastern district of Morang over the past three days, Locals of Rangeli VDC-1 fear worst in the wake of bird-flu epidemic in neighboring India. 

But, experts said there was a very slim chance of the avian flu.

Local reports quoted Dr S N Das, director of Regional Animal Disease Investigation Laboratory, as saying it might be due to the use of pesticides in the area.

"There are slim chances of bird-flu here," he added.

Meanwhile, two samples have already been sent to the capital for tests, according to Dr Yogendra Prasad Yadav, chief of the District Animal Husbandry Office.

Contrary to the official claim, locals however denied having sprayed pesticides in their farms, the reports added.

"It is wheat harvesting season and there is no question of using pesticides here," a local was quoted saying.

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