Gulf | Kuwait
Kuwait confirms 20 cases of bird flu
Kuwait has confirmed 20 cases of the deadly H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus in falcons, chickens and turkeys, a spokesman for the Health Ministry said on Sunday.
- Agencies
- Published: 23:37 May 3, 2009
- Image Credit: AP
- A man sits at the birds' market in Al Rai, Kuwait City. The country's health authorities ordered the closure of the market after 20 cases of bird flu in were announced.
Kuwait City: Kuwait has confirmed 20 cases of the deadly H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus in falcons, chickens and turkeys, a spokesman for the Health Ministry said on Sunday.
Ahmed Al Shatti said there were no human cases and an emergency plan has been launched. He said the cases were found at the Kuwait Zoo, farms and a clinic for falcons.
Exports and imports of birds are being halted, while the zoo and bird markets will be closed temporarily.
Kuwait has established a control room that operates around the clock to monitor and coordinate efforts to combat the disease, said Al Shatti, who is a member of the national team commanded to deal with any outbreak of the disease.
He said, "We have given medication to people who have come into contact with the birds."
This small oil-rich state last confirmed a case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus in 2005 when officials discovered the disease in a flamingo.
The health minister, Sheik Ahmed Abdullah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, said in a statement that the government has informed the World Health Organisation of the 20 cases.
He did not say when they were detected, but he said most of the birds that contracted the deadly disease were falcons.
Farms were being fumigated and birds have been culled, the minister said in the statement.
People have been urged to report any dead birds to a phone line and to keep birds in cages. A ministry statement said poultry and eggs were safe to eat if they were cooked at high temperatures.
News Editor's choice
-
Impounded cars may be sold off
Abu Dhabi Municipality warns motorists who have abandoned cars in the emirate
-
Parents to control how children use their phones
Move will help protect youngsters from pornography and bullying
-
Rare eclipse crosses Asia
"Ring of fire" is seen by millions in Asia and parts of America
