Bird flu in Kuwait

Health officials in Kuwait have confirmed 20 cases of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu in the small oil-rich state.

The virus has been found in falcons, chickens and turkeys.

The outbreaks occurred at a zoo, a farm and a clinic for falcons in the Wafra farming region in the south of the country.

Health Ministry spokesman Ahmed Al Shatti says while there are no human cases at present an emergency plan has been put into action.

Samples were sent to London for further checks and 20 cases tested positive for the virus.

The zoo and bird markets will be closed temporarily and the exports and imports of birds are being stopped.

Kuwait has established a 24 hour control room to monitor and coordinate efforts to combat the disease.

Al Shatti, who is a member of the national team which deals with any outbreaks of the disease, says those who were in contact with the birds have been given medication.

Kuwait's last confirmed case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus was in 2005 when officials discovered the disease in a flamingo.

Health minister, Sheik Ahmed Abdullah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, says the World Health Organisation has been informed of the 20 cases.

Most of the birds that contracted the deadly disease were falcons and the minister says as a result the farms involved were being fumigated and birds have been culled.

The public are being urged to report any dead birds via a special phone line and to keep all birds in cages.

The Health ministry says poultry and eggs remain safe to eat provided they are cooked at high temperatures.