SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

Theresa42 · Dec 8, 2007

Discussion about whether or not to cull pigeons around pilgrimage site even though they have not tested pos for bf. Some authorities argue that this cannot be done since it is a holy site and that wouldn't be (excuse the possibly inappropriate word) "kosher" -- seems like the animals in the area are sacred (or at least should be treated kindly) because it is a holy site. If they were to have bf, though, they would be culled -- I think.

Google-translated from Arabic:

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and excludes inferred green top party in London
Opinion legitimate passport execution campus if hit by bird flu

"Ducks campus" the area of the outer campus Mecca
Dec 8, 2007

RIYADH: Tariq Alnofal, Hussein bin Musaad

He felt that the legitimate birds located within the campus can join the list of five Alfoasag and Prognostic who may kill him if hit by Avian, from the door Alsael payment.

The Adviser to the Ministry of Justice Sheikh Abdul Muhsen Publishers that "it is difficult to execute birds infected with the epidemic had not been confirmed (...), and execution of birds to make sure campus without being infected by the dangerous and very difficult to kill birds foot on the campus of God (... ) has Nuha Prophet peace be upon him that alienate Tireh."

It is noted that "five Alfoasag" is a mouse and Scorpio and dog Alakor and mushrooms and Alhaddah, was contained in the Hadith legalize killing even as he Muharram or replace miles inside or outside the campus, because of their harm to the rights.

He said that in the event "to make sure injured bird particular bird flu epidemic within this campus may killers out of the door and pay Alsael five Alfoasag that may kill her, even if the scope of campus are in the government and Alfoasag Chialh."

He said: If the penalty out of motives suspect [...] this serious legitimacy and Larry inadmissibility destroy without verifying the infected Avian.

Regarding the killing of birds that fall within the campus in the event of any registration hit a view to ensuring there is not shifted to the epidemic guests Rahman during the pilgrimage season this year, an advisor to the Ministry of Justice: If Takdna that swarms of birds or a particular disease was not critical in this, The only penalty for killing or birds campus of the door guard without being sure that they are infected, I do not see permissibility (...) not be executed any living entity falls within the College campus, but the passport in the infected birds only."

He said that Min penalty blind which is inclusive of all birds that fall within the scope of recorded cases in which at least one epidemic, enter the door may not destroy capital murder in vain, citing that "killing sparrow in vain accelerated to God on the Day of Judgment say: O God Would that killed vain did not kill the benefit."

He stressed in this respect that it should not destroy the esteemed money, without the need to be useful as "whether it is necessary to work (penalty blind) and decided that the specialists have to be this way for the payment of harm from the people is a critical response to the seriousness of the disease epidemic."

On the other side, the judge at the Ministry of Justice, Sheikh Nasser bin Daud, "if the birds were infected with Avian campus may (destroy) in the event of the existence of cases of the epidemic and that the penalty was only fear that the disease is spreading with no evidence of infection or the impact of the injury may not be absolute".

He argued that "if the injury proved any bird Haram and feared transmission to humans, I think that destroys the birds are feared to be infected, but it does not execute collective."

He reported that "privacy is not alone in the pigeon campus, or any animal, but privacy is the result of the acquisition of entry within the campus, (...) even repelling deer and came to the borders of campus campus him (...), If widespread epidemic in birds campus it is warner getting everyone even in the campus because it is not an area of the damage."

Also excluded Ministry of Agriculture Undersecretary General for livestock Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Shihah seriousness of the injury campus pigeon disease avian influenza (high intensity) based on the results of most veterinary authorities confirming the immunity pigeon in pregnancy and the transfer of disease from one place to another.

He cited Shihah of "Al Watan" green (party top London Square), where there are many people there, were recorded by the British disease where no cases of avian influenza infection in the pigeon, and therefore no concern of the fact that both in the campus pigeon or other dangerous for humans, adding, "House protected by the Lord, I do not think that top party scene is more important than the home land."

The Shihah the General Department for Agriculture Mecca region in coordination with the official bodies of the work of other precautionary measures with regard to preventive disease avian influenza, pointing out that the Ministry of Agriculture are the first line in the process followed by the Ministry of Health with regard to human injuries.

It is noteworthy that the Mecca is ranked second in the Kingdom in terms of the number of projects and the volume of production of mothers and whiting and Allahm [i.e. in the volume of production of poultry].

http://www.alwatan.com.sa/news/newsdetail.asp?issueno=2626&id=32278

AlaskaDenise · Dec 9, 2007

Re: SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

<TABLE cellPadding=4 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>Saudi rules out culling of pigeons in Holy cities


Web posted at: 12/10/2007 2:31:33
Source ::: Agencies

Riyadh

? As the first group of pilgrims began to arrive to perform Haj, Makkah?s thousands of pigeons are finding themselves at the centre of a controversy.

Rumours of a large-scale culling of Makkah?s pigeons were swirling after the discovery of cases of bird flu in poultry farms in and around the central region as well as around capital Riyadh. More than 3.5 million birds were culled after being discovered with the H5N1 virus.

The possibility of culling of pigeons in Makkah and Madinah was raised after fears of the birds catching the avian influenza virus.

But Dr Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Sheeha, Undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture for Animal Resources Affairs, ruled out that the pigeons may catch the deadly H5NI virus. He said the veterinary references confirmed that pigeons have immunity against the disease.

In a statement to Al Watan Arabic newspaper yesterday, the Saudi official noted that no case of bird flu was reported among the pigeons of the Trafalgar Square in London when the disease was earlier reported in Britain.
An international expert said that no cases of bird flu were reported among the pigeons in Makkah. He noted that it was unlikely that the birds would catch the disease, as it did not mix with migratory birds that carry the virus.

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HenryN · Dec 9, 2007

Re: SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

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gi|28849466|gb|AF509073.1|[28849466]
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gi|28849414|gb|AF509047.1|[28849414]
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sharon sanders · Dec 9, 2007

Re: SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

Pigeons do become infected with H5N1.

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Avian Influenza H5N1 in Naturally Infected Domestic Cat[/FONT]

Thaweesak Songserm,* Alongkorn Amonsin,† Rungroj Jam-on,* Namdee Sae-Heng,* Noppadol Meemak,‡ Nuananong Pariyothorn,† Sunchai Payungporn,† Apiradee Theamboonlers,† and Yong Poovorawan†<sup>

</sup>
*Kasetsart University, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand; †Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Thailand; and ‡Western Veterinary Research and Development Center, Chombueng, Ratchaburi, Thailand
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Suggested citation for this article[/FONT]
<hr>

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]We report H5N1 virus infection in a domestic cat infected by eating a pigeon carcass. The virus isolated from the pigeon and the cat showed the same cluster as the viruses obtained during the outbreak in Thailand. Since cats are common house pets, concern regarding disease transmission to humans exists.[/FONT]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 causes death in many avian species and mammals, including humans (1–5). In Thailand, infection by HPAI H5N1 has been reported in mammalian species such as tigers (1,3) and cats (6). Most infected mammals had high fever, panted, and showed symptoms of depression, myalgia, and nervousness (4). This article reports H5N1 infection in a cat during the early H5N1 outbreaks in Thailand and characterizes the genome of H5N1 virus isolated from the infected domestic cat.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Study[/FONT]

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Figure 1. Microscopic lesions of the infected cat, lung edema with homogeneous pink material and congestion (A)...
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Figure 2

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Figure 2. Phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin (A) and neuraminidase (B) gene sequences of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1...</td> <td width="10">
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> In early February 2004, during the outbreak of HPAI (H5N1) in Thailand, a carcass of a 2-year-old male cat (Felis catus) was taken in an icebox 6 hours postmortem to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Kasetsart University, Nakornpathom, Thailand. The cat's owner volunteered the information that the cat had eaten a pigeon (Columba levia) carcass 5 days before illness onset. The owner reported that the cat had a temperature of 41°C, was panting, and appeared to be depressed. Furthermore, the cat had convulsions and ataxia and died 2 days after onset of illness. The cat was given a single dose of 75 mg aspirin 1 day before it died; however, its body temperature remained elevated. Many dead pigeons were found in the area where the cat lived. Necropsy of the cat showed cerebral congestion, conjunctivitis, pulmonary edema, severe pneumonia, renal congestion, and hemorrhage in the intestinal serosa. Tissues from brain, trachea, lungs, mesenteric lymph nodes, intestines (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), kidneys, liver, pancreas, spleen, and heart were collected, fixed with 10% buffered formalin, and processed for histopathologic examination. Histopathologic examination results showed nonsuppurative encephalitis, gliosis, mononuclear infiltration into the Virchow-Robin space, vasculitis, and congestion in both cerebrum and cerebellum. A microscopic lesion in the lung was caused by severe pulmonary edema, interstitial pneumonia, and congestion (Figure 1A). Multifocal necrosis in the liver (Figure 1B), tubulonephritis, and lymphoid depletion in the spleen were found. No abnormalities were detected in any other organs.
The paraffin-embedded tissues, including brain, lung, kidney, heart, spleen, pancreas, liver, and intestine tissue, were examined immunohistochemically.A polyclonal goat anti-HPAI H5N1 (Kasetsart University, Nakornpathom, Thailand) diluted 1:400 in phosphate-buffered saline was used as the primary antibody. The secondary antibody was polyclonal mouse anti-goat immunoglobulin G (Zymed Laboratories, Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA) diluted 1:200 in phosphate-buffered saline. Diamino benzidine was the substrate developed as a chromogen. Tissue from a cat that had been hit and killed by a car was used as the negative control. Sites displaying a positive H5N1 antigen reaction were in cerebral neurons (Figure 1C), heart (myocardial cells) (Figure 1D), pneumocytes, renal tubular epithelial cells, hepatic cells, and white pulp of the spleen (macrophages). The pancreas and intestine were negative for H5N1 antigen.
Parts of frozen brain, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, and duodenum content were ground separately, and virus isolation testing was conducted by using embryonated egg injection. Virus isolation testing was also conducted on pleural fluid and urine. Virus isolation testing was conducted by injecting pleural fluid, urine, and filtrates obtained from the ground tissues into the allantoic sac of 10-day-old embryonated chicken eggs. Embryonic death occurred 18 hours after injection. The allantoic fluids of the dead embryos were subjected to hemagglutination (HA) and hemagglutination inhibition tests. All fluids from the dead embryos were positive for avian influenza A (H5). The virus could be isolated from all injected specimens. To identify the subtype, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was conducted, and the virus was confirmed to be influenza A H5N1 (7,8). The HPAI H5N1 isolate recovered from the infected cat's lung was labeled A/Cat/Thailand/KU-02/04. In addition, an isolate of HPAI H5N1 from an infected pigeon in the area where the cat lived was included in the study and labeled A/Pigeon/Thailand/KU-03/04.
H5N1 viruses isolated from the cat's (KU-02) and the pigeon's (KU-03) lung tissue were characterized in this study. The entire genome sequence was determined in the H5N1 isolate from the cat, while the H5N1 isolate from the pigeon was sequencedto specifically obtain the HA, neuraminidase, and PB2 genes. The sequences obtained from the cat (H5N1) (A/Cat/Thailand/KU-02/04) were submitted to the GenBank database under accession numbers PB2 (DQ236079), PB1 (DQ236080), PA (DQ236081), HA (DQ236077), NP (DQ236082), NA (DQ236078), M (DQ236084), and NS (DQ236083). The sequences obtained from the pigeon (H5N1) (A/Pigeon/Thailand/KU-03/04) were submitted to GenBank under accession numbers HA (DQ236085), NA (DQ236086), and PB2 (DQ236087). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the HA (Figure 2A) and NA (Figure 2B) genes of HPAI isolates (cat and pigeon) showed that the HA and NA genes of the viruses were similar to each other as well as to those of the viruses isolated from tigers, chickens, and humans in Thailand. Genetic comparisons of each gene of the cat isolate (KU-02) to those of the viruses isolated from chickens (January and July 2004) and tigers (January and October 2004) are shown in the Table. The analyses showed that the cat isolate (KU-02) was closely related to other H5N1 isolates collected from the region in 2004. This finding indicated that the H5N1 infection in the cat resulted from the virus circulating during the H5N1 outbreaks in early 2004. The HA gene of KU-02 and KU-03 contained multiple basic amino acid insertions at the HA cleavage site (SPQRERRRKKRR) as well as glutamine and glycine (Q222–G224) at the receptor binding site. The NA genes of KU-02 and KU-03 also had 20 amino acid deletions at positions 49–68 and contained histidine at position 274, indicating absence of antiviral drug resistant residues. The NS gene of the KU-02 isolate contained a 5–amino acid deletion (79–83), and the M2 gene of the KU-02 isolate contained an amino acid (asparagine) at position 31, conveying amantadine resistance. In summary, the viruses from the cat and the pigeon were similar to the H5N1 viruses isolated in Thailand and Vietnam in 2004, which had then been identified as genotype Z (9). A single amino acid substitution at position 627 of the PB2 gene (glutamic acid to lysine) was observed in the cat isolate (KU-02), as had previously been shown in the tiger isolates (1). In contrast, the PB2-627 amino acid residue of the pigeon isolate (KU-03) remained unchanged (glutamic acid).
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Conclusions[/FONT]

This study is the first to report entire H5N1 genome sequences in a naturally infected domestic cat in Thailand, although experimental infection by H5N1 in domestic cats has been reported (10). The case of H5N1 in a cat was reported during the early H5N1 outbreaks in Thailand in February 2004. The likely route of infection was eating an infected pigeon carcass. Our study confirmed H5N1 infection in pigeon carcasses from the same area. In our study, both H5N1 isolates from the cat and the pigeon displayed characteristics identical to H5N1 isolates from the epidemic in Thailand. Moreover, genetic comparison indicated that the virus isolated from the cat (KU-02) was more similar to the H5N1 viruses from early 2004 (Ti-1 and Leo-1) than those from late 2004 (CU-T3 and CU-23).
Our results demonstrated that domestic cats are also at risk for H5N1 infection. Clinical signs and pathologic test results of the cat in this study are similar to those of an experimental study by Kuiken et al. conducted in 2004. Cats are companion animals and may live in very close contact with humans. Although no direct transmission of H5N1 from cats to humans has been reported, it is possible; therefore, cats in H5N1-endemic areas should be scrutinized. In Felidae, such as tigers and cats, probable horizontal transmission of H5N1 within the same species has been found (4). However, the risk for transmission from poultry to humans is probably much higher because poultry outnumber cats and excrete higher titers of the H5N1 virus (10). Hence, monitoring domestic animals for infection during H5N1 outbreak is recommended.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Acknowledgments[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]We thank the staff of Kasetsart University for assistance and Orawan Booddee for immunohistochemical work. We also thank Mettanando Bhikkhu and Petra Hirsch for editing the article.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Genomic research was supported by the Thailand Research Fund, Senior Research Scholar, and the Center of Excellence in Viral Hepatitis Research.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dr Songserm is a veterinary pathologist at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaengsaen Campus, Nakornpathom, Thailand. His research interests include avian pathology, duck and goose diseases, and emerging diseases in animals.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]References[/FONT]

Amonsin A, Payungporn S, Theamboonlers A, Thanawongnuwech R, Suradhat S, Pariyothorn N, et al. Genetic characterization of H5N1 influenza A viruses isolated from zoo tigers in Thailand. Virology. 2006;344:480–91.
Grose C, Chokephaibulkit K. Avian influenza virus infection of children in Vietnam and Thailand. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2004;23:793–4.
Keawcharoen J, Oraveerakul K, Kuiken T, Fouchier RA, Amonsin A, Payungporn S, et al. Avian influenza H5N1 in tigers and leopards. Emerg Infect Dis. 2004;10:2189–91.
Thanawongnuwech R, Amonsin A, Tantilertcharoen R, Damrongwatanapokin S, Theamboonlers A, Payungporn S, et al. Probable tiger-to-tiger transmission of avian influenza H5N1. Emerg Infect Dis. 2005;11:699–701.
Viseshakul N, Thanawongnuwech R, Amonsin A, Suradhat S, Payungporn S, Keawchareon J, et al. The genome sequence analysis of H5N1 avian influenza A virus isolated from the outbreak among poultry populations in Thailand. Virology. 2004;328:169–76.
Enserink M, Kaiser J. Virology. Avian flu finds new mammal hosts. Science. 2004;305:1385.
Poddar SK. Influenza virus types and subtypes detection by single step single tube multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis. J Virol Methods. 2002;99:63–70.
Payungporn S, Phakdeewirot P, Chutinimitkul S, Theamboonlers A, Keawcharoen J, Oraveerakul K, et al. Single step multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for influenza A virus subtype H5N1 detection. Viral Immunol. 2004;17:588–93.
Li KS, Guan Y, Wang J, Smith GJ, Xu KM, Duan L, et al. Genesis of a highly pathogenic and potentially pandemic H5N1 influenza virus in eastern Asia. Nature. 2004;430:209–13.
Kuiken T, Rimmelzwaan G, Riel D, Amerongen G, Baars M, Fouchier R, et al. Avian H5N1 influenza in cats. Science. 2004;306:241.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol12no04/05-1396.htm

HenryN · Dec 10, 2007

Re: SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

Frome the latest OIE report out of Egypt

AL JIZAH Giza Farm Giza zoo 29,6898 31,9041 20/02/2006 03/12/2007

Species Measuring units Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered

Birds Animals 200 5 5 0 0

Affected Population peacocks, wild ducks and wild pigeons

AL MINYA Bani Mazar Unit Type Location Latitude Longitude Start End

AL MINYA Bani Mazar Village Al Nasrya 28,5749 30,1135 21/03/2006 03/12/2007

Species Measuring units Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered

Birds Animals 50 30 30 20 0

Affected Population chickens and pigeon at two backyards

http://www.oi20INFLUENZA/Egypte.int/downld/AVIAN%_AI_03122007.pdf

AlaskaDenise · Dec 10, 2007

Re: SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

I'm assuming the SA's officials comments are based on a myriad of considerations.

I'm baffled as to why WHO doesn't make statements to clarify the role of pigeons. When the health of about 1 million visitors is at stake, isn't it appropriate for WHO to speak up?

.

HenryN · Dec 10, 2007

Re: SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

AlaskaDenise said:
I'm assuming the SA's officials comments are based on a myriad of considerations.

I'm baffled as to why WHO doesn't make statements to clarify the role of pigeons. When the health of about 1 million visitors is at stake, isn't it appropriate for WHO to speak up?

.

The sources of the pigeon myth are WHO consultants.

AlaskaDenise · Dec 11, 2007

Re: SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

niman said:
The sources of the pigeon myth are WHO consultants.

Oh.......okay.......glad to hear the right people are at the right place at the right time.

.

HenryN · Dec 11, 2007

Re: SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

AlaskaDenise said:
Oh.......okay.......glad to hear the right people are at the right place at the right time.

.

H5N1 is ALL about politics - no science required.

Giuseppe · Dec 11, 2007

Re: SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

All of you surely know this piece of research, but I submit it for information purpose.
--
1) [RESEARCH, ABSTRACTS, WILD BIRDS, AVIAN INFLUENZA] Role of Terrestrial Wild Birds in Ecology of Influenza A Virus (H5N1)
Adrianus C.M. Boon,*1 Matthew R. Sandbulte,*1 Patrick Seiler,* Richard J. Webby,* Thaweesak Songserm,? Yi Guan,? and Robert G. Webster*
*St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA; ?Medicine Kasetsart University, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand; and ?University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People?s Republic of China
1These authors contributed equally to the study.

House sparrows, European starlings, and Carneux pigeons were inoculated with 4 influenza A (H5N1) viruses isolated from different avian species.

We monitored viral replication, death after infection, and transmission to uninfected contact birds of the same species.

Sparrows were susceptible to severe infection; 66%?100% of birds died within 4?7 days.

High levels of virus were detected from oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs and in organs of deceased sparrows.

Inoculation of starlings caused no deaths, despite high levels of virus shedding evident in oropharyngeal swabs.

Least susceptible were pigeons, which had no deaths and very low levels of virus in oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs.

Transmission to contact birds did not occur frequently: only A/common magpie/Hong Kong/645/2006 virus was shown to transmit to 1 starling.

In summary, recent influenza (H5N1) viruses are pathogenic for small terrestrial bird species but the rate of intraspecies transmission in these hosts is very low.

-
SOURCE

AlaskaDenise · Dec 12, 2007

Re: SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

Least susceptible were pigeons, which had no deaths and very low levels of virus in oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs.

Any asymptomatic carrier can be just as dangerous as a dead bird - they spread, and spread, and spread. It takes only a tiny amount of virus to infect something else.

.

Niko · Dec 14, 2007

Re: SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

Saudis prepare for 1.5 million hajj pilgrim influx

19 minutes ago

JEDDA, Saudi Arabia (AFP) — Officials on Friday put final touches to preparations to try to ensure the safety of 1.5 million foreign pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia for the annual Muslim hajj in Mecca.

A total of 11,000 doctors, nurses and paramedics will be on hand to provide medical care with 4,200 beds at 21 hospitals and 145 health centres in the holy sites of Mecca, Mina and Arafat, local media reported.

According to the official news agency SPA, 85 ambulances have also been mobilised for the occasion and health awareness and alerts will be issued in case of any epidemic outbreaks.

Al-Jazeera news reported that the health ministry in the desert kingdom had been spraying pesticides on pilgrims' tents and accommodation blocks to protect against mosquitoes.

The precautions and security measures are to try to prevent a repeat of the high death tolls that have often characterised past pilgrimages, such as that in 2006 when 364 people were killed in a stampede at the entrance of the Jamarat Bridge, where Muslims cast stones at a pillar representing Satan.

The stoning ritual has created some of the worst scenes of panic during the hajj, including that in 2004 when 251 pilgrims died, and in 1994 when 270 perished in a stampede.

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz, who heads the hajj supreme committee, will inspect preparations on Saturday including the third phase of the construction of the Jamarat Bridge, SPA said.

The agency quoted the hajj central commission as saying that 1,467,515 people had by Wednesday already arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of the celebrations which begin on Monday.

The annual pilgrimage, which attracts hundreds of thousands of Saudi faithful as well as foreign residents in the kingdom, begins on the eighth day of the month of Dhi al-Hajja under the lunar calendar.

The high point of the hajj, when pilgrims converge on Mount Arafat, will take place on Tuesday, and Eid al-Adha, the Muslim Feast of the Sacrifice marking the end of the pilgrimage, will be celebrated the next day.

All Muslims are required to make the hajj to Mecca, in western Saudi Arabia, at least once in their lifetime if they have the means to do so.

Pilgrims sacrifice an animal, usually a sheep, for Eid al-Adha as part of the rituals.

"Usually we get around 2 million sheep, goats and cows for the hajj season. The work is ongoing," Mohammad Jameel, an official in the storage terminal department at the Jedda Islamic Port, told AFP.

"The livestock is shipped from Somalia, Djibouti, Australia and New Zealand," he said, adding that the ships each carry around 120,000 sheep or goats.

Ashargh al-Awsat newspaper quoted Saudi Health Minister Dr. Hamad bin Abdullah al-Mane saying a case of bird flu (H5N1) had been detected at a chicken farm near Riyadh but added, "we have taken all the needed precautions."

Nearly 2.4 million people flocked to Saudi Arabia to perform the last hajj, including more than 1.6 million from outside the kingdom.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jLhPWr4F3rX39DaZlQ6MZh48gA0g

SAUDI ARABIA - Concerns about the pigeons in/around pilgrimage site in Mecca

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