The infected birds were located at Seuzach in canton Zurich. These are the first cases in Switzerland this winter, the authorities said on Thursday in a statementExternal link.
In collaboration with cantonal veterinary authorities, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) is preparing measures to protect domestic poultry in the region to prevent the spread of the virus, the authorities say.
The bird flu virus has been present in many parts of Europe in the past, so it is unsurprising that it has reappeared in Switzerland this winter.
The FSVO reminds poultry owners that feeding and watering areas must be protected. Also, special measures must be taken when entering poultry areas, changing shoes and outer clothing and disinfecting hands.
As a precautionary measure, people who find dead wild birds are asked not to touch them and to inform the nearest police station or wildlife warden.
The registration of poultry farms, including those owned by amateurs, has been compulsory since January 1, 2010.
According to current knowledge, the bird flu (H5N1) virus strain is only transmissible to humans in extremely rare cases and only after very close contact. However, outbreaks have in the past led to major disruptions and slaughtering programmes in Europe’s poultry industry.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Prince William will attend final of Women’s Euro 2025 in Basel
This content was published on
The heir to the British throne will be watching the final of the European Women's Football Championship live in the stadium on Sunday.
First bird flu case spotted in Switzerland this winter
This content was published on
The bird flu virus has been detected in a seagull in the northeastern Swiss canton of Schaffhausen, near the German border.
This content was published on
On Saturday, the Swiss Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs confirmed that a dead Tufted Duck and a Laughing Gull found near the port of the city of Lausanne have tested positive for bird flu. Like the cases in Lake Constance, the two birds were found to harbour the H5N8 strain of the…
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.