Switzerland finds second bird flu case in dead swan

ZURICH, March 1: Switzerland has found its second case of H5 bird flu in a dead swan close to the German border, but said today it would be another week before it is known whether it is the more aggressive H5N1 form of the virus.

The swan was found close to the town of Kreuzlingen at the north-western corner of Lake Constance -- also known as Bodensee -- where two wild ducks have tested positive on the German side, the Federal Veterinary Office.

On Sunday, Switzerland confirmed its first case of H5 bird flu in a duck found in the heart of Geneva, near the city's famous jet d'eau fountain. Final test results are still awaited.

The country has been on high alert for bird flu since the virus emerged in neighbours France, Germany, Austria and Italy.

From last month it ordered that all poultry be kept indoors for an indefinite period to lessen the risk from the fast-spreading H5N1 virus that has led to the preventive culling of many millions of birds worldwide.

REUTERS