Riyadh bird market closed after duck found with bird flu

JEDDAH – Azizia Bird Market in Riyadh was closed after a duck was found carrying avian influenza H5N8 during ongoing inspections of poultry markets in the Kingdom, said Friday the ministry's Environment, Water and Agriculture. The spokesman, Abdullah Abalkhail, told Arab News that action had been taken immediately after the bird's infection.

Ducks carry the virus but show no symptoms of infection.

In addition to closing the market, the authorities prevented the movement of birds on the market and followed the instructions of Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, acting governor of the Riyadh region, to dispose of the birds in a safe and secure manner. effective. ] An emergency plan to deal with avian influenza cases was implemented by the Ministry section in Riyadh, in cooperation with the security authorities, the Riyadh Municipality, the Riyadh Directorate of Health Affairs and the Ministry of Health. Finance.

Abalkhail emphasized that the Ministry, in cooperation with the relevant government sectors, has been successful in preventing the spread of the disease.

To date, there have been no human cases of H5N8 in the Kingdom. The last case of bird flu was recorded in the Kingdom on April 17 this year.

Abalkhail warned the birds and poultry farmers not to go to the Azizia Bird Market until the demining work is complete.

Bird flu spreads rapidly among birds. He urged the public to report any suspicious cases by calling emergency number 8002470000.