Saudi Arabia Links Two New Farms To Deadly Bird Flu Outbreak

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AHN) - Saudi Arabia's Agricultural Ministry on Friday said 90,000 birds from two more poultry farms near the capital Riyadh were culled after coming in contact with the avian influenza.

Dr. Fahad Balghunayim, with the ministry, said Saudi Arabian officials are trying to contain the bird flu outbreak to just two farms located 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Riyadh.

These two new farms join a third confirmed case of the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus.

The first farm linked to the outbreak is located in Al-Kharj, 50 miles south of Riyadh. On Wednesday, the ministry said 50,000 birds were culled from the Al-Kharj farm after 1,500 birds tested positive for the virus.

Authorities found no human cases of bird flu.

Authorities are suspecting that the outbreak was caused by migratory birds. But an investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak.