LOC11:28
08:28 GMT
RIYADH, Dec 15 (KUNA) -- Up to 13,500 ostriches have been culled in an open
farm near the Saudi capital, Riyadh, after a new case of high-intensity avian
influenza, or bird flu, was discovered, the Ministry of Health said Saturday.
The project consisted of 80 barns holding 13,500 ostriches, a ministry
statement said, adding that the birds were culled at the farm in Al-Kharj, 150
km (94 miles) south of Riyadh.
Full preventive measures have been taken and the entire stock was executed
through proper methods; the site was sanitized and closed off.
The statement urged farm owners and poultry producers to intensify their
prevention measures. Cooperation on the side of the citizens and residents
with the concerned authorities is essential through reporting suspicious or
dead bird cases, it added. (end)
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KUNA 151128 Dec 07NNNN