RIGA, Feb 23 (LETA) - Farmers and poultry companies will have to keep their poultry in coops and also observe other additional biosafety measures due to the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, the government agreed on Tuesday.

The Agriculture Ministry's amendments to the Regulations Regarding a Set of Biosecurity Measures for Holdings Where Livestock is Kept stipulate that poultry must be kept indoors (in coops) in order to avert contact with wild birds and animals.

Coops must be sturdy enough to prevent wild birds' entry and access to poultry feed and drink supplies. Farmers are also not allowed to take their poultry and eggs to fairs, exhibitions and other events involving poultry.

Farms and poultry companies' workers will have to wear special garments and footwear while at work.

Lifting the restrictions will be considered after the epidemiological situation in Latvia, other European Union countries and third countries near Latvia improves sufficiently.

The new rules will come into force the day after the amendments are published in the official gazette Latvijas Vestnesis.

As reported, highly pathogenic avian influenza has been found in twenty wild birds in Latvia so far this year.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is one of the most dangerous animal diseases and causes mass morbidity and mortality in birds. The strain of the virus does not pose a threat to humans, but causes economic damage.