In its efforts to limit the spread of bird flu, the Saudi government is expanding its cull of poultry stocks. Over three million birds have now been slaughtered and incinerated, primarily in the Riyadh area. Public health announcements are also advising Saudis to avoid live poultry and that chicken and eggs should be thoroughly cooked. More details in this Arab News story.
Kingdom Culls 3.2m Birds to Stem Avian Flu
Mohammed Rasooldeen & Galal Fakkar, Arab NewsRIYADH, 22 November 2007 — A total of 3.2 million birds on 10 farms have been culled as a preventive measure to curtail the spread of the H5N1 avian flu, Agricultural Minster Fahd Balghunaim said in a television interview that was aired on Saudi television yesterday. “Birds in seven farms in Riyadh where the virus was detected were culled. The chickens in another three farms were also culled because the farms are situated hazardously close to the farms where the virus appeared first,†Balghunaim said.
The minister assured farmers who lost huge investments in the poultry sector would be adequately compensated by the Agriculture Ministry in line with the directives issued by the Council of Ministers.
The minister explained that the preventive measures adopted by his ministry included burning infected poultry. The chicken feed and other leftovers were also burned and the farms were sanitized.
Saudi Gazette has a piece as well: 3.21 m Birds Culled – but ‘don’t Panic’. This article includes statements by Saudi health authorities seeking to reassure the public.
RSS feed for comments on this post.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
November:22:2007 - 07:08
What I find interesting is while the bird flu is spreading within the Kingdom, this fact is primarily discussed via print media and international news media. The local Saudi channels have had very little coverage by comparison in regards to this subject. This, in spite of recent announcements, warnings and cautions by the Ministry of Agriculture.
I don’t mean to knock or discredit the local news but believe that it needs to be more balanced and introduce more “local internal news stories.” Presently the majority of the local news covers the activities and programs of the King, Crown Prince and other Royals.
American Bedu
November:22:2007 - 08:17
I think the fact that Saudi terrestrial TV is so close to content-free explains why there are so many Saudi satellite TV stations!
It’s certainly not the place I’d go to get news of breaking events.
Have you listened to the Saudi radio stations? Any better? Any worse?
November:22:2007 - 11:05
Hi John,
I agree with you.
In regards to your question on the content of Saudi radio stations, I’m afraid I am unable to comment as I only listen to NPR radio. Hopefully another Saudi reader of your blog can provide some comments to this question.
Regards,
American Bedu