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- The bird flu virus has been detected in a greylag goose in Männedorf ZH.
- It is the second case in Switzerland this season.
- The federal government has therefore adapted the protective measures.
To prevent the virus from spreading any further, any contact between wild birds and domestic poultry must be avoided, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV) wrote in a statement.
Poultry farmers in the observation areas are therefore obliged to implement safety measures. This includes, for example, keeping different species such as chickens, ducks or geese separately. Strict access restrictions and hygiene measures apply in the stable area.
No change to the overall risk assessment
Following the discovery of the second case, the FSVO’s urgent regulation established further observation areas along the banks of the lakes and rivers of the Mittelland. The new case does not change the overall risk assessment, it said.
A dead greylag goose is dissected in Koblenz. (symbol image)
Keystone / MICHAEL SOHN
The disease, also known as avian influenza, is highly contagious for animals and is usually fatal for the sick animals. The infected animals often appear apathetic and have swelling in the head area. The BLV warned that people who find sick or even dead wild birds should not touch them. The finds should be reported to the authorities.
Last week the virus was detected for the first time in a greylag goose in Vinelz BE. There have previously been several outbreaks of bird flu in wild birds in Europe and especially in Germany in recent weeks.
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