Switzerland reports first bird flu

[cal04]

SWITZERLAND has 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.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18284888%255E1702,00.html

[The Backlash Cometh]

1. Unbelievable how quickly this spread.

Someone correct me, but up through France is a mediterranean climate, so in February it's warm enough for birds to migrate at this time of the year. Correct?

So, what's the weather like in Switzerland at this time of the year?