October 16, 2006

Swiss poultry to be kept indoors to prevent bird flu

Swiss poultry farmers in lakeland areas were ordered to bring their birds inside by the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office.

The measures aim to minimise domestic birds' exposure to bird flu carried by migrating birds flying through the country.

The orders apply to areas within a one-kilometre radius of major lakes and rivers and would be in place until the end of April.

Thirty two bird flu cases in wild birds were found in Switzerland between February and March 2006.

The migration season of wild water fowl, occurring now, poses the greatest threat of bird flu spreading in western Europe, according to the Federal Veterinary Office.