JEDDAH: The central bird market in Buraidah was shut down by Qassim Municipality on Thursday as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of bird flu, Okaz newspaper reported.

In coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Qassim, the municipality also banned anyone from bringing birds into the areas in which vendors commonly gather. All street vendors selling birds, animals, food, cages and other pet accessories have been shut down.

Everyone at the market was ordered to leave the area, and vendors were instructed to stop selling immediately and to remove their birds and animals from the market, which will remain closed until further notice.