Liechtenstein Implements Stricter Bird Flu Measures Amid Swiss Outbreak

Liechtenstein Responds to Avian Influenza Threat

Liechtenstein has officially become an observation area for avian influenza, implementing federal protection measures for its poultry farms. This decision, effective November 27, 2025, comes as bird flu continues to spread in neighboring Switzerland, prompting coordinated efforts to safeguard domestic poultry populations. The new regulations mandate stricter adherence to biosecurity protocols for all poultry farmers in the principality.

Swiss Precedent for Protection Measures

The measures in Liechtenstein align with those recently introduced in Switzerland. On November 21, 2025, the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) announced nationwide preventive measures, which came into force on November 25, 2025, and are slated to remain active until March 31, 2026. These Swiss regulations were a response to the detection of bird flu cases, including the death of several wild birds in areas such as Wil SG.

Key aspects of the Swiss federal protection measures, which are expected to be mirrored in Liechtenstein's observation area status, include:

• Restriction of Movement: Poultry owners must keep their birds in areas protected from contact with wild birds.
• Protected Feeding and Watering: If full restriction is not feasible, feeding and watering stations must be secured to prevent access by wild birds.
• Species Separation: Different poultry species, such as chickens, ducks, geese, and ratites, must be kept separately to minimize potential transmission.
• Biosecurity Protocols: Livestock owners are required to wear dedicated clothing when in barns and restrict external access to animal housing.

Impact on Liechtenstein's Poultry Farms

The declaration of Liechtenstein as an observation area signifies a heightened state of vigilance and control. The Office of Food Control and Veterinary Affairs in Liechtenstein, responsible for animal health and disease control, will oversee the implementation of these new regulations. Poultry farmers are now legally obliged to report any suspicion of animal disease to a veterinarian immediately. The working procedures for disease control are established in emergency documentation shared between the federal government and cantons, including the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Public Health and Safety Assurances

Authorities emphasize that the risk of bird flu transmission to humans remains low, typically occurring only in rare cases of extremely close, unprotected contact with infected birds. Furthermore, poultry products such as chicken meat and eggs are considered safe for consumption, provided they are cooked thoroughly. The public is advised not to touch dead or sick wild birds and to report such findings to the relevant authorities.