October 18, 2005

UK pig producers urged to keep wild birds away

The UK's National Pig Association has urged outdoor pig producers to keep wild birds out of buildings and away from their animals outside, as a precautionary measure against bird flu.

Scientists had suspected that pigs could act as a mixing bowl for both the human and bird flu viruses, resulting in a deadly strain that could spread easily among humans.

Wild birds were attracted to spin feeder wagons for many outdoor sows.

Culling non-protected birds and use of audio and visual bird scaring devices were some measures that might be considered, reports said.