Bird flu detected in Saudi Arabia

The ministry said tests were carried out after 1,500 birds died in the farm, which had a total of 50,000 birds. The ministry learned of the deaths on Monday.

"All of the birds at the farm were subsequently culled and the area disinfected, with measures taken to ensure other farms in the area were not affected," the Saudi Press Agency reported quoting the ministry as saying.

It said no human cases of bird flu had been found and an investigation was taking place to determine the origin of the illness. Health and municipal authorities in Al-Kharj have taken steps to ensure that the individuals dealing with the birds are not affected.