Riyadh: Saudi authorities have directed bird markets in Mecca to be closed and have ordered euthanizing of birds effected by influenza.
According to Saudi media sources, Mohammed Abdullah Al-Quwaihis -the mayor of Mecca, has directed municipal authorities to temporary close bird shops and markets under their jurisdiction along with various make-shift markets too and all kind of bird-trade has been temporarily prohibited.
Local authorities have also been instructed, as a precaution, to ensure the use of anti-bacterial spray and further euthanize animals which have presumably been infected by influenza.
Dr. Ahmed Abdul Malik, a family medicine expert, has clarified that pet animals like dogs, cats do not pose any threat of corona virus as far as they are kept isolated from stray animals and owners undertake necessary hygienic measures.