The Swiss government said Friday that it had banned the keeping of poultry outdoors to avoid domestic fowl contracting bird flu through contact with migratory birds carrying the virus.

"The measure is a precautionary step," an economics ministry spokesman told reporters.

The order, which is aimed at protecting domestic fowl from birds migrating from the countries and regions affected by the epidemic, follows similar actions taken in Germany and Austria.

It will come into effect next Tuesday and runs until Dec. 15 when the migration period ends. Migratory birds are feared to be carriers of the H5N1 strain.

Officials have also ordered all poultry to be registered.

Reacting to the measures which affect both poultry markets and shows, poultry farmers' associations showed their understanding.

Switzerland has already banned poultry imports from countries affected by bird flu, including Turkey and Romania.

Other precautions include recommendations for poultry farmers, tightened border checks and a monitoring program for wild birds.

The authorities said that they are well prepared for bird flu and are bracing themselves for the worse scenario of a highly contagious human strain of the virus. They have been stockpiling enough supplies of an anti-viral drug for two million people. Thus, officials said there is no reason for panic.

Also on Friday, officials said tests carried out on migratory birds over the past month by the Federal Veterinary Office had detected no traces of the bird flu virus.

Source: Xinhua