30.09.2006

The Swiss economics ministry has announced "targeted" preventive measures to protect poultry against avian influenza carried by birds heading to Africa.
From October 15, poultry living within one kilometre of major lakes and rivers - where migratory birds infected with the H5N1 virus might stop to rest or drink - will be kept indoors.
Within these regions, free-range poultry will be banned as well as poultry markets and exhibitions.
Unlike the previous outdoor ban, which was imposed across the country from February 20 to May 1 this year, the latest lock-up only applies around lakes and rivers in low-lying parts of the country.
The period of vigilance will not be limited to periods of migration, but throughout the winter. The messures will remain in place until April 30, 2007.
Thirty-two dead wild birds were found with the H5N1 virus last February and March in Switzerland, mainly around lakes. This led to a national order to bring poultry indoors that was lifted in May. No human cases were reported.
The preventive measures affect about 1,000 of the country's 17,000 professional farms and 4,000 of the 50,000 amateur chicken raisers – less than 10 per cent of the overall total, according to the economics ministry.
The lakes affected by the measures include the four largest: Lake Geneva, Lake Constance, Lake Neuchגtel and Lake Zurich.
Most European Union countries have relaxed measures requiring poultry to be kept indoors but authorities are ready to revive the order should risk levels increase. Switzerland is not a member of the EU.
In neighbouring Germany, the lock-up order remains in force, but large numbers of exemption permits have been issued during the period of low risk, allowing extensive free-range farming.
The Swiss measures are similar to those announced earlier this month by Belgium, according to Cathy Maret of the Federal Veterinary Office in Bern.
Neighbouring France, where a farm last February became the first case of the virus in domestic birds in the EU, is also expected to announce measures soon, she added (SwiisInfo).