Peter Ustinov once described Toronto as "New York run by the Swiss." Now the Swiss are running their own poultry industry indoors: Swiss measures aim to protect flocks from bird flu. Excerpt:
Switzerland on Friday announced "targeted" preventive measures to protect its poultry against bird flu carried by migratory birds heading south to Africa.
For six months from October 15, free-range chickens will be banned within one kilometre of 21 major lakes and rivers, where wild birds infected with the H5N1 virus might stop to rest or drink, it said.
"Within these regions...free-range poultry will be banned as well as poultry markets and exhibitions," the Swiss economy ministry said in a statement.
"The period of vigilance will not be limited to periods of migration, but throughout the winter," it said. The measures, to remain in place until April 30, 2007, could also be reinforced.
Some 32 dead wild birds were found with the H5N1 virus last February and March in Switzerland, mainly around lakes, leading to a national order to bring poultry indoors, lifted in May.
No human cases were reported.
Monitoring of wild birds around lakes, as well as analysis of any dead birds found, continues, the statement said.
