Local media have reported that large numbers of animals, including cows and goats, as well as camels, have died of a mysterious disease during the last week.

Agriculture minister Dr Fahd Balghunaim has, however, ruled out claims that the deaths were caused by an infectious disease. He said a special panel was making a field assessment of the situation.

He added that toxic fodder, not supplied by the government, could have been the cause.

Reports in the Saudi press say at least 5,000 camels have now died and thousands more are sick. The country's camel population is estimated at 850,000.