Eight of the 18 injured are in a critical state, a local official said. Vaccines have been imported from France to meet the shortfall, officials said. The Department of Veterinary Services in the capital has so far produced only 200,000 doses of the vaccine. A massive vaccination drive has been launched in the area and adjoining regions have been put on alert. The disease was first detected in Nepal in 1992.
Infected animals develop pneumonia and diarrhoea and die of dehydration if untreated.
The disease first appeared from imported Indian herd. Estham met separately with King Birendra, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Foreign Minister Chakra Prasad Banskota, and Home Minister Ram Chandra Poudel Friday. Estham also met senior most security officials and businessmen during his brief stay in Nepal. Estham arrived in Nepal after visits to India and Pakistan and leaves for the Central Asia Saturday. Shahi was being treated for heart and kidney ailments.