September 6, 2006

Belgium announces bird flu preventive measures

Authorities said Tuesday (Sep 5) that poultry farmers in specific areas of Belgium will have to keep their birds under nets as of next week as part of measures to prevent an outbreak of deadly bird flu.

Migratory birds are expected to fly over Belgium for much of September and all of October and could spread the disease in Europe.

The restrictive measures apply specifically for poultry farmers living close to migratory bird habitats. But authorities are also told all farmers to feed their poultry in locations inaccessible to wild birds in an attempt to prevent contact.

So far, there have been no cases of bird flu in Belgium.