Numerous outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza A strain H5N1 have occurred in Nepal since 2009 despite implementation of a national programme to control the disease through surveillance and culling of infected poultry flocks. The objective of the study was to use cost–benefit analysis to compare the current control programme (CCP) with the possible alternatives of: i) no intervention (i.e. absence of control measures [ACM]) and ii) vaccinating 60% of the national poultry flock twice a year. In terms of the benefit–cost ratio, findings indicate a return of US$1.94 for every dollar spent in the CCP compared with ACM. The net present value of the CCP versus ACM, i.e. the amount of money saved by implementing the CCP rather than ACM, is US$861,507 (the benefits of CCP [prevented losses which would have occurred under ACM] minus the cost of CCP).

Keywords
Avian influenza – Control programme – Cost–benefit analysis – Economic assessment – Nepal – Vaccination.