Switzerland 26 Feb H5 Avian Only

[kondor]

http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissin...=1140955563000

First cases of avian flu have been detected ? with positive tests reported in the areas of Schaffhausen in the north and Geneva in the south-west.

Cantonal authorities in Schaffhausen and Thurgau have ordered a three-kilometre protection zone and an observation zone of 10km.

[peterpan]

Switzerland 26 Feb H5 Avian Only

Switzerland reports first H5 bird flu case

GENEVA, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Switzerland has confirmed its first avian flu case, but further tests are needed to determine if the infected bird had the H5N1 strain of the virus, the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office said on Sunday.

"We have a first case of bird flu. It's H5. The virus type has to be confirmed in the (European Union) reference lab," spokeswoman Cathy Maret said, declining to say what type of bird was infected or where it was found.

Further details on the Swiss case are to be released at an afternoon press conference in Berne, Maret said.

Switzerland has been high alert for a bird flu outbreak after the virus was reported in neighbours France, Germany, Austria and Italy. The country this month ordered all poultry be kept indoors for an indefinite period to lessen infection risks.

Returning migratory birds are suspected of being the carriers of the deadly virus, and Switzerland lies on their route back from Africa and other southern areas.

[DB]

Re: Switzerland 26 Feb H5 Avian Only

http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/c...55E401,00.html

First Swiss bird flu outbreak reported
From correspondents in Geneva
27feb06


SWITZERLAND had confirmed its first avian flu case, but further tests are needed to determine if it is the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus, the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office said.

"We have a first case of bird flu. It's H5. The virus type has to be confirmed in the (European Union) reference lab," spokeswoman Cathy Maret said, declining to say what type of bird has been infected or where the case was found.

Local news agency ATS, quoting a Swiss government official, said positive results were found in the Geneva area and in Stein-am-Rhein in the northeast of the country.

One of the birds infected was a wild duck, ATS said. Further details on the Swiss bird flu outbreak are to be released at an afternoon press conference in Berne, Ms Maret said


Switzerland has been high alert for a bird flu outbreak after the virus was reported in neighbours France, Germany, Austria and Italy. The country this month ordered all poultry be kept indoors for an indefinite period to lessen infection risks.
Returning migratory birds are suspected of being the carriers of the deadly virus, and Switzerland lies on their route back from Africa and other southern areas.