Bird flu broke out in a private animal shelter in the canton of Zurich. The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) is now recommending protective measures throughout Switzerland in consultation with the cantons. This is to prevent further spread of the disease.
“In large parts of Europe, the avian flu virus has been on the rise for some time,” the BLV writes in a statement. “This increases the risk of wild birds bringing the disease to Switzerland.” The first two cases of illness were reported last week in Seuzach in the canton of Zurich. Due to the potential danger and the uncertain risk situation, the Confederation has therefore taken preventive measures for the whole of Switzerland. The focus is on preventing contact between wild birds and domestic poultry.
Rules for poultry farmers
From next Monday, everyone in Switzerland who keeps poultry must comply with the following regulations:
- Restrict expiration date: Marketing of domestic poultry should be confined to an area protected from wild birds. If this is not possible, feeding and drinking places for wild birds should not be accessible. Drainage areas and water basins should be protected from wild birds by fences or fine mesh nets.
- Different attitude: Chickens should be kept separate from geese and ducks.
- Access restrictions: The virus can also enter livestock farming via people and equipment. That is why access to the animals must be limited “to the absolute minimum” and a hygiene lock must be installed. “Put on clean shoes and clothes and wash and disinfect your hands before entering,” the FSVO recommends.
- exhibition ban: Poultry markets and exhibitions are prohibited.
These measures apply to both livestock farmers and hobby farmers at least until 15 February 2023.
Bird flu is on the rise across Europe
More than 6,000 cases of bird flu have occurred in wild birds in Europe in the past two years, according to the BLV. In 2022, several hundred wild birds were affected for the first time in the summer.
“The virus has changed its properties: more and more poultry and bird species are infected with it,” warns the federal government. This also increases the risk of wild birds bringing the virus inland and the danger is no longer limited to bodies of water. “The risk is currently even greater because migratory birds from northeastern Europe come to spend the winter here.”
Experts had expected the first cases in Switzerland, the agency explains. “So the discovery of the bird flu virus in a private livestock farm in Seuzach in the canton of Zurich came as no surprise.” Two birds found dead were affected: a gray heron and a peacock.
The veterinary office in Zurich has ceased operations and taken remedial measures. A so-called protection and surveillance zone was established nearby. Strict protection and hygiene measures apply to poultry farmers there to prevent the spread of the virus. Parts of municipalities in the canton of Thurgau are also affected.
Do not touch dead birds
According to the current state of knowledge, the H5N1 virus strain currently circulating can only be transmitted to humans in extremely rare cases and only in the case of very close contact, the FSVO writes. And: “Poultry products such as chicken and eggs can be consumed without hesitation.”
For safety reasons, dead wild birds should generally not be touched. You should report them to the game warden, the police or the veterinary service. (Russian)