Avian influenza Switzerland 2025 - What poultry farmers need to know now
Status: 10.12.2025
Avian influenza Switzerland 2025 is once again keeping keepers of chickens, ducks, geese and quails busy. After a quieter phase in spring, the last observation areas were lifted on March 31, 2025. No new detections of H5N1 were recorded in Switzerland between mid-February and the end of October 2025. Since the beginning of November 2025, however, several new cases have been confirmed in wild birds. Against this backdrop, experts are warning of a possible reintroduction by migratory and resident birds with a view to the fall and winter. This article summarizes the current situation, explains the applicable obligations for poultry farmers and provides practical tips on biosecurity for small, hobby and commercial farms.
TL;DR - The most important facts in brief
- After a period without new detections between mid-February and the end of October 2025, several cases of H5N1 have been confirmed again in wild birds in Switzerland since the beginning of November 2025. The observation areas from the winter of 2024/25 were lifted on March 31; since November 25, 2025, the whole of Switzerland has been an observation area, with uniform protective measures in place until March 31, 2026.
- The risk for the general population is still considered to be low, and low to moderate for people in close contact with animals. Consistent biosecurity is crucial for poultry farms in order to prevent the introduction of the virus into flocks.
- Obligations for keepers: register poultry holdings, report cases of illness or death immediately to the vet and the cantonal veterinary service, do not touch dead or conspicuous wild birds and report them to the relevant authorities. For flocks of 50 animals or more, additional requirements apply, such as compulsory stabling or a run protected from wild birds.
- Recommended or prescribed prevention: protected runs (nets/roofing), food and water covered and inaccessible to wild birds, hygiene sluice, separate clothing/shoes, rodent control, access restrictions for visitors. These protective measures are mandatory for larger flocks and are also expressly recommended for small and hobby holdings.
- The FSVO publishes current maps of observation areas, evidence of wild birds and the applicable protective measures on its website on an ongoing basis.
- Status of the information (without guarantee): December 10, 2025 - based on FSVO, ECDC and European veterinary data.
Avian influenza Switzerland 2025 - Current situation and significance for poultry farms
Between November 2024 and February 2025, isolated cases of H5N1 were detected in wild birds (mainly gulls and waterfowl) in Switzerland. As a result, the federal government and cantons set up observation areas along larger bodies of water - including Lake Constance. These were lifted again on March 31, 2025. There were no active observation or protected areas until the end of October 2025. However, due to new detections of H5N1 in wild birds since the beginning of November 2025, the FSVO extended the observation area again as of November 25, 2025 - this time to the entire national territory.
In November 2025, new cases of avian influenza were detected in wild birds in Switzerland. Following the detection of the virus on November 21, 2025 in ducks and a swan on the town pond in Wil (SG), the FSVO decided on November 23, 2025 to extend the preventive measures to the whole of Switzerland. The amended ordinance comes into force on 25 November 2025 and applies until 31 March 2026. It provides for uniform protective measures throughout Switzerland, including compulsory confinement and protected runs for larger poultry flocks.
| Region | Status | Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Last H5N1 detections before the summer break in February 2025 (including seagulls on Lake Constance). Since the beginning of November 2025, new cases have been confirmed in wild birds, including a wild goose in Vinelz BE and ducks and a swan in Wil SG. | Since November 25, 2025, the whole of Switzerland has been an observation area. Uniform protection and biosecurity requirements apply to all poultry holdings; for flocks of 50 animals or more, stabling or protected runs and other requirements are mandatory, while smaller holdings are strongly recommended to comply with the measures. |
| EU total | HPAI H5 viruses continue to circulate; several outbreaks in wild and farmed birds (spring to fall 2025). | Risk according to ECDC: low (general population), low to moderate (exposed persons). |
| France / Germany | Autumn 2025: Numerous outbreaks in farms and wild birds, crane deaths in northern Germany. | France: Alert level "high" with compulsory stabling nationwide; Germany: regional culling and compulsory stabling. |
What rules apply in Switzerland? Notification obligation, registration and observation areas
Registration of poultry holdings
In Switzerland, all poultry holdings - including hobby and small flocks - must be registered. This takes place at the cantonal veterinary offices. The obligation to register with the cantonal veterinary offices remains in place - and with the entry into force of the new FSVO Ordinance on November 25, 2025, all poultry farms are now required to implement strict protection and biosecurity measures. The registration serves to provide rapid information in the event of an outbreak and supports national bird flu monitoring. Only registered keepers can be specifically informed about regional protection measures.
Observation areas along lakes and rivers
During the 2024/25 winter season, the federal government and cantons set up observation zones up to three kilometers wide along large bodies of water - particularly on Lake Constance, the Rhine and Lake Neuchâtel. The purpose of these zones was to prevent contact between wild and domestic birds and to be able to react quickly if infected wild birds were found. The zones were lifted on March 31, 2025, but remain in place as a legal instrument: In the event of new H5N1 detections, cantons could reintroduce local protection or surveillance zones at any time. Since November 25, 2025, this observation area has been extended to the whole of Switzerland due to the current epidemiological situation. The same basic requirements apply to all cantons, and cantonal veterinary services can also define additional local protection or surveillance zones if necessary.
Important: Do not touch dead or weakened wild birds. Findings should be reported to the game warden, police or cantonal veterinary service with details of the location. In the event of suspected illness or increased losses in the flock, a vet should be contacted immediately.
Biosecurity in practice: How can entries into livestock be prevented?
The most effective barrier against avian influenza (H5N1) is consistently practiced biosecurity. These measures largely correspond to the protection requirements prescribed by the FSVO from 25 November 2025. They are mandatory for poultry farms with 50 animals or more; they are expressly recommended for smaller micro and hobby farms in order to keep the risk of entry as low as possible. What is standard practice in the poultry industry can also be implemented in small holdings with simple routines. The following measures address the most important entry routes - via wild birds, humans, equipment and pests.
- 1 Protected runs: Roofing or nets prevent contact with wild birds; always place feeding and drinking points under cover.
- 2 Hygiene sluice: Use sturdy stable shoes and clothing; wash or disinfect hands; only allow visitors if necessary and with protective clothing.
- 3 Equipment unit: Keep tools in the stable; clean after use and disinfect according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- 4 Water and feed management: Do not use surface water; store feed in sealed containers; consistently control rodents and insects.
- 5 Animal movement: Only accept new arrivals from secure flocks; quarantine for 10-14 days with daily health checks.
Advantages of consistent biosecurity
- Minimized risk of introduction and spread of HPAI (H5N1).
- More stable animal health thanks to constant, controlled husbandry conditions.
- Better traceability in the event of an epidemic (visitor and animal movement log).
Typical challenges
- Free-range housing near water - increased wild bird activity.
- Sharing of equipment or means of transportation between holdings.
- Lack of clear separation between "clean" and "unclean" at the barn entrance.
Diagnostics and reporting: What happens in case of suspicion?
In the event of sudden death, shortness of breath, ruffled feathers, neurological symptoms (e.g. torticollis, coordination disorders), refusal of water/feed, decline in laying performance or edema of the head/comb/legs, a veterinarian must be contacted immediately. Avian influenza (HPAI/H5N1) is notifiable in Switzerland: suspected and confirmed cases are reported immediately to the cantonal veterinary service. Samples are sent to the reference laboratories via the practice.
| Area | Mandatory | Orientation value |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Register all poultry holdings with the canton | Registration & data maintenance with the cantonal veterinary service |
| Biosecurity | Covered feeding/drinking, separate stable clothing | Quarantine new arrivals approx. 10-14 days |
| Notifications | Report suspected cases immediately to the veterinarian & the canton | Laboratory analysis usually covered by animal disease insurance; sampling/TA costs depending on canton Holder |
| Protected areas | Comply with cantonal regulations (if applicable) | Riparian strips up to approx. 3 km & other zones according to ordinance |
How will avian flu in Switzerland 2025 affect families and direct marketers?
The consumption of poultry meat and eggs remains safe for consumers as long as the usual kitchen hygiene rules are observed and the products are fully cooked. The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) states that, according to current knowledge, avian influenza does not pose a risk to food safety; infection is practically only possible in the event of very close contact with infected animals or heavily contaminated materials.
For direct marketers, short-term adjustments may be necessary when the cantons activate regional protection or observation areas - such as restricted runs, access regulations or obligations to inform customers. Transparent communication helps to strengthen consumer confidence and shows that the measures serve animal welfare and disease prevention.
Market and supply signals from abroad
Major waves of avian influenza in Europe and North America led to temporary production declines and price increases for eggs and poultry products in individual countries in 2025. Germany also reported massive culling in poultry farms in the fall. For Switzerland, this underlines the importance of stable biosecurity and early detection - it not only protects livestock, but also domestic supply security.
Conclusion: What should poultry farmers do now?
- Avian influenza Switzerland 2025 remains a controllable but serious risk: fulfill registration obligations, check animal health daily.
- Implement biosecurity consistently: protected runs, covered feeding and drinking troughs, hygiene sluice, in-house clothing, document visitor flow.
- Report suspicions immediately: Consult a veterinarian, use exclusion tests (laboratory analysis is covered by the federal government or the animal disease insurance fund; costs for sampling or travel may be borne by the owner, depending on the canton). Do not touch dead or sick wild birds, report findings.
- Follow cantonal information: Since November 25, 2025, the whole of Switzerland has been considered an observation area with uniform basic requirements. In addition, cantons can activate further observation or protection areas with additional requirements at short notice in the event of new wild bird detections.
Status: 10.12.2025. Data based on official information from the FSVO, ECDC and cantonal veterinary services. Data without guarantee.