Denmark demands stricter measures to prevent bird flu from spreading
Xinhua, November 17, 2016 Adjust font size:
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration warned on Wednesday that the rules for farmers to keep their poultry indoors must be adhered as more bird flu cases were found across the country.
The contagious bird flu H5N8 had been discovered in tufted ducks in two places in Zealand of Denmark last week. Now the disease has spread to more places as five new cases were reported, according to the administration.
"Whether you are a private hobby breeder with five hens in your backyard or a professional egg or poultry producer, our new rules mean that owners must protect their animals from the bird flu," Stig Mellergaard, a spokesperson with the administration, said in a statement.
"It is very important that everyone lives up to their responsibilities so we can ensure H5N8 does not gain a foothold within the Danish population," Stig added.
The administration ordered on Monday that farmers in the country must lock chickens and other captive birds behind the fence or under the roof to prevent bird flu from spreading.
The administration has also called on the public to contact them should they find any dead or sick birds. Endit