Migrating Birds Fall from Sky Dead

Mohammed Zaatari
Daily Star
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Tyre (Lebanon):
Dozens of migrating birds have died mysteriously over the past few days increasing fears bird flu has arrived in Lebanon.
Farmers in Ras al-Ain and Qleileh say they fear the "cause behind the deaths is contagious and will spread to chicken farms along the Tyrian coast."Several farmers living on the coast south of Tyre reported seeing dozens of migrating storks fall from the sky while flying along the shore near Ras al-Ain.One farmer, Khalil Shehab, described counting over 20 birds. "We found them breathing their last breath," said Shehab.
The men called the Civil Defense who advised them to contact the Agriculture Ministry. The ministry sent two employees, who took samples to conduct tests, claiming it was the first time they had seen such birds in the area.
Head of the Agriculture Authority in the South Hassan Souli said the ministry had sent two samples to laboratories in Fanar and the American University of Beirut, which will release the results soon.
Oct 28, 2005