Saudi Arabia culls falcons over suspected bird flu

RIYADH - Authorities in Saudi Arabia have culled a group of 37 falcons after discovering five suspected cases of bird flu among them, the Agriculture Ministry said.

Samples from the five falcons have been sent for checks to determine if they were affected by the deadly H5N1 virus, the ministry said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

It said the virus matched the H5 type, but the N subtype was yet to be determined.

No bird flu cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia, where falconry is popular.

In November, neighbouring Kuwait reported the first known case of deadly bird flu in the Gulf Arab region, saying a culled flamingo was carrying the H5N1 virus that has killed more than 80 people, mostly in Asia.

- REUTERS