The measures aim to prevent any further outbreak of the disease, and mainly focus on reducing contact between wild birds and domestic poultry, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) wrote on ThursdayExternal link.
As of next Monday, all poultry farmers in the country will therefore have to restrict the movements of their domestic poultry to areas protected from wild birds. Chickens must be kept separate from geese and ducks, and access to the animals reduced to a minimum. Poultry markets and exhibitions will also be banned.
Unless decided otherwise, the measures are to remain in place until February 15, 2023, authorities said.
Safe food
According to current knowledge, the H5N1 virus strain can only be transmitted to humans in extremely rare cases, and that only in case of extremely close contact. Poultry products like chicken, meat and eggs can be eaten without hesitation, the FSVO writes.
However, anyone who finds dead wild birds should not touch them, it says. Dead animals should be reported to the nearest wildlife warden or police station.
The first cases of bird flu in Switzerland this winter were detected in a grey heron and a peacock in canton Zurich a week ago. Over 6,000 cases have been detected in Europe over the past two years, according to the FSVO.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.