Avian influenza – Canton of Zurich discovers bird flu case and takes immediate action
Published
Since the end of October, bird flu cases among wild water birds in Europe have risen sharply. Cases have also occurred in poultry holdings in several countries.
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A bird flu case has occurred in the Zurich Unterland.
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Any contact between domestic fowl and wild birds must now be prevented.
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According to current knowledge, the virus cannot be transmitted to humans.
In the Zurich Unterland, a case of “avian influenza” (bird flu) has emerged during a hobby with poultry. The Veterinary Office of the Canton of Zurich has initiated the necessary immediate measures. Whether it is a highly contagious variant is currently the subject of an investigation.
The federal government and the cantons are preparing the necessary measures to prevent avian flu from spreading, as the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) writes in a message. It has now called on all poultry farmers to take preventive measures. According to current knowledge, the virus cannot be transmitted to humans.
Bird flu cases are on the increase
At the beginning of this week, the authorities of Baden-Württemberg near the Swiss border confirmed a highly contagious variant of bird flu in swans. The case in the Zürcher Unterland in the area of the Rhine is now the first in Switzerland in a hobby keeping with chickens and water birds. The authorities want to communicate the further measures in the next few days.
Since the end of October, bird flu cases among wild water birds in Europe have risen sharply. The first cases have also occurred in poultry farms in several countries. Wild water birds are currently gathering at our lakes to hibernate. The greatest risk of transmission is direct contact with water birds.
The federal government recommends preventive measures
“That is why preventive measures are now important throughout Switzerland,” writes the FSVO. Any contact between domestic fowl and wild birds should be prevented. Poultry farmers should therefore observe the following:
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Feeding and watering in a poultry house inaccessible to wild birds
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Strict compliance with the biosecurity measures before entering the stables (changing shoes, overalls for the stables, hand disinfection)
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Free-range husbandry and grazing are still possible. However, preparations must be made to keep the animals in a protected outdoor climate area if necessary. Check grids for holes.
You also have to register hobby attitudes
According to the information available, the virus strains of the currently circulating bird flu are not transferable to humans. Nevertheless, it is advisable not to touch discovered bird carcasses and to contact a gamekeeper, the fisheries inspector or the canton police, according to the FSVO.
In order to contain bird flu, it is important that the federal government knows all poultry farms. Registration of poultry holdings has been compulsory since January 1, 2010. This also gilds for hobby attitudes.
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