Massive numbers of poultry in eastern Libya, especially in Tobruk and up to Imsaed area on the border with Egypt, have died due to Newcastle Disease, said a vet working at the eastern committee for poultry diseases.

The vet, Akrim Al-Sabaqi, said Newcastle Disease is not new to Trobruk city as it had been discovered over two years ago.

In earlier times, the same disease caused the death of some limited numbers of poultry, but this time - given the vast area it had broken out into, it has caused the death of massive numbers of poultry.

The vet added that a certain virus causes the disease in all kinds of poultry but the gravity of the disease differs from one bird to another, depending on the immunity system of the birds and the environment surrounding them.

The disease is not contagious to human beings, the vet remarked, adding that the cure for this disease is available at all veterinary pharmacies in Tobruk.

"All farmers must vaccinate their poultry before they come down with the virus." The vet added, asking the residents to remain clam as the disease cannot transfer to human beings.