Germany extends poultry lock-up to prevent bird flu

The upper house of parliament said the measure was recommended by the national veterinary institute.


Last February Germany had an outbreak of the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus among wild birds. The virus was detected among domestic fowl in April.


It has also infected three cats and a type of weasel on the Baltic Sea island of Ruegen.


German poultry farmers have been obliged to lock up their birds for fixed periods since the migrating season in late 2005, but the measure has been implemented continuously since May.


The parliament said the decision may be reviewed before next year.


See more avian influenza news.