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.
Related Stories
Popular Stories
More
Global elections
One Swiss man’s patient work towards a democratic Romania
Swiss foreign minister praises improved relations with Italy
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis expressed his satisfaction on Tuesday with the good relations that Switzerland has developed with Italy.
Boating and swimming to be banned on part of River Aare in Bern
This content was published on
From September, the city and canton of Bern will be carrying out extensive construction work on the River Aare to protect against flooding and to renovate the Marzili outdoor pool.
Moutier: foreigners familiarise themselves with right to vote
This content was published on
From 2026, Moutier will be part of the Swiss canton of Jura, gaining more than 1,000 new voters. On Monday around 50 people were informed about their new rights.
Switzerland ‘more than ready’ to host Ukraine summit
This content was published on
Switzerland is more than ready to host a summit between Russia and Ukraine, says Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, highlighting Switzerland's expertise in this area.
This content was published on
Every second aircraft at Zurich Airport took off late this summer. However, the situation has already improved significantly compared to last year.
Swiss union federation demands average wage increase of 2%
This content was published on
The employees' umbrella organisation Travailsuisse is demanding an average wage increase of two percent for all employees in the coming year. This would cover the rising cost of living and make up for wage shortfalls in recent years.
‘Dr Pump’ sentenced for administering unauthorised substances
This content was published on
A Bern Regional Court has found the Solothurn doctor known as "Dr Pump" guilty of offences against the Sports Promotion Law. The man had administered unauthorised substances to patients.
This content was published on
Volunteering can have a positive effect on mental health. According to a survey conducted in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, people who volunteer for others also strengthen themselves.
This content was published on
Twint is being used more and more frequently to make purchases at the till or transfer money to friends using a smartphone. By the middle of the year, the payment app already had more than six million users in Switzerland.
This content was published on
The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin should take place in Europe, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. He is calling for it to be held in Geneva.
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.