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| H5N8 In Switzerland - Credit OSAv |
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Following in the footsteps of Denmark (see yesterday's Denmark: DVFA Orders Poultry `Indoors', Cancels All Bird Shows), Swiss Authorities at the Federal Office Of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (OSAv) have declared the entire country of Switzerland an avian flu control area.
Germany is currently mulling over their options and may announce new rules soon, while The Netherlands issued Additional measures avian flu yesterday. Meanwhile France - which is thus far unaffected - has announced a strengthening of surveillance.
While HPAI H5N8 is not currently viewed as a serious human health risk, its threat to the poultry industry is substantial. And with it being just the middle of November, that threat could persist for months to come.
Two statements from the OSAv website.
Avian flu, also called avian influenza or avian influenza, is present in many regions around the world. poultry holders must therefore remain vigilant and be alert to suspicious symptoms.
Current
Bird flu prevention measures throughout Switzerland
The OSAv reinforces its measures against avian influenza. From 16 November 2016, the whole of Switzerland will be considered a control area. The aim is to prevent contact between wild birds and domestic poultry throughout the territory. There is no evidence yet that the Swiss poultry farms are affected. According to current knowledge, this virus is not transmissible to humans.
Bird flu prevention measures throughout Switzerland
Bern, 15.11.2016 - The OSAv reinforces its measures against avian influenza. From 16 November 2016, the whole of Switzerland will be considered a control area. The aim is to prevent contact between wild birds and domestic poultry throughout the territory. There is no evidence yet that the Swiss poultry farms are affected. According to current knowledge, this virus is not transmissible to humans.
The avian influenza subtype H5N8 has been diagnosed there ten days in dead waterfowl at Lake Constance. During the weekend, two birds were discovered on the shores of Lake Geneva. The countries around Lake Constance concerned by the cases, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, assess the situation and take measures in a concerted manner. These three countries are betting on a stepwise procedure, it means they adapt their measures as and the evolution of the situation.
There are some days, the Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary (OSAv) announced that it would strengthen protective measures. From Wednesday, November 16, 2016, the control zone is extended to the whole of Switzerland. Therefore, outdoor poultry detention, swimmers and runners birds is subject to restrictive measures. To prevent contact between wild birds and domestic poultry, feeding and watering of these must be carried out without a run, inaccessible to birds located outside.
If these restrictions can not be applied, the animals must be placed in closed rooms or barns wear a waterproof roof and closed sides. Operators who own chickens must also record the animals with abnormalities and special symptoms.
Address for inquiries
Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary (OSAv); media service; Such. 058 463 78 98; media@blv.admin.ch
