KATHMANDU: The price of eggs has increased sharply in the last one month due to the spread of the H9 virus in chickens across the country. The virus has been attributed to the death of chickens and the resulting decrease in egg production.

Praveen KC, president of the Nepal Egg Producers' Association, stated that hatcheries across the country used to produce around 50 million to 55 million eggs daily about a month ago. However, this has now dropped to approximately 24 million to 25 million. He mentioned that the price of eggs skyrocketed as production fell short of demand.

He further explained that about 1.5 million layer chickens have died due to the disease spread during the summer, severely impacting egg production. Experts note that the egg production capacity of chickens decreases significantly after contracting this disease. The retail price of large eggs, which was Rs 480 per crate a month ago, has now risen to Rs 600. Similarly, the price of medium eggs has increased from Rs 465 per crate to Rs 580 per carat, and small eggs have gone up from Rs 450 to Rs 565 per crate.

Although the H9 virus does not exhibit a high mortality rate like other strains of bird flu, entire flocks can sometimes die if the virus is combined with other infections. Consequently, egg producers do not receive compensation when chickens die from this virus, unlike in cases of bird flu. Government policy stipulates that relief is only provided if chickens die due to the H5 bird flu virus.

Dr. Chandra Dhakal, spokesperson for the Animal Services Department, confirmed that the H9 virus is a type of bird flu, primarily affecting egg-laying hens. It reduces both the fertility and egg production capacity of chickens. He stated that despite its impact on production, the infectious disease control regulations of the government do not provide compensation for this disease as it is not transmissible to humans like bird flu.

Currently, no vaccination has been administered in Nepal for the prevention and control of the H9 virus, and the government has yet to decide on its use. Experts recommend that farmers adopt biological methods of prevention, emphasizing cleanliness and the protection of healthy chickens from infected farms.