Reliable data on existing livestock owners and animal stocks is the basis for animal disease surveillance, in particular for effective animal disease control.
Section 26 of the Livestock Movement Ordinance: "Anyone who wishes to keep cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, equines, chickens, ducks, geese, pheasants, guinea fowl, partridges, pigeons, turkeys, quails or ratites must notify the competent authority or a body appointed by it before commencing their activity, stating their name, address and the estimated annual average number of animals to be kept, their type of use and their location, with reference to the respective animal species. Any changes must be reported immediately. ... "Upon
request by telephone or electronic means, the registration form will be sent to you to fill out.
Prevention and control of animal diseases in Switzerland
The animal disease status is monitored by regularly testing livestock for various animal disease pathogens. Farm inspections are carried out on a risk-orientated, scheduled basis as well as on an ad hoc basis. Monitoring samples, e.g. for avian influenza in domestic and wild poultry, or swine fever, brucellosis and Aujetzky's disease in domestic pigs and wild boar, are also analysed. Sampling of game is carried out by hunters, with whom there is a close exchange of information.
Defence against the introduction of animal diseases from abroad
Animal diseases can be introduced into domestic and wild animal populations via infected animals, inadequately disinfected transport vehicles, people and objects that have previously come into contact with infected animals or food.
The BMEL has published important information for travellers on the subject of avian influenza (poultry plague/bird flu) in several languages: Federal
Ministry of Food and AgricultureThe BMEL also warns of the risk of African swine fever being introduced.
It is prohibited to bring animal products such as meat, milk and products made from them into the country from third countries.
Animals and animal by-products require health certificates for import. These are sent electronically in advance and, in the case of imports from third countries, are checked by border veterinary inspection centres and, within the EU, by the competent veterinary authorities.
Preventing the spread of animal diseases
Animal diseases cause considerable suffering to animals and necessitate the culling of affected and other animal stocks, as well as having massive economic consequences for affected farms and trade. Therefore, preventive measures, especially biosecurity, must be consistently implemented and employees on farms must be made aware of the issue. Hunters
also play an important role in detecting animal diseases and preventing their spread.Crisis management - combating notifiable animal diseases
Once a notifiable animal disease has been identified and the outbreak farm has been closed down, restricted areas are established depending on the type of animal disease and the affected animals or animal stocks are killed in accordance with animal welfare regulations. Extensive epidemiological investigations, sampling and clinical examinations are also necessary. The cooperation of animal owners and practising veterinarians is essential for this. Cleaning, disinfection, disinfestation
and carcass disposal are also key priorities in the control of animal diseases.Bluetongue
On 7 August 2024, an outbreak of bluetongue (serotype 3) was detected in cattle and sheep in two districts of Saxony-Anhalt.
As a result, Saxony-Anhalt loses its status as ‘free from the bluetongue virus’.
For further information, please visit:
- Map showing the current restricted zones for bluetongue
- Animal Owner’s Declaration – BTV – Young Animals – 15 October 2025
- Livestock Owner’s Declaration – BTV – Animals for Slaughter – 15 October 2025
- Pet Owner’s Declaration – BTV – Unvaccinated Animals – 15 October 2025
- Rules on the movement of goods until 31 October 2026