"The government took the right decision by closing poultry shops as many of them were in residential areas and were not following the required procedures while slaughtering chickens. Improper conditions cause health problems to those working in the shops and the consumers as well," Al-Watan Arabic daily quoted biology professor in the Science Sector at the Basic Training Faculty of Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Dr Bahija Behbehani, as saying.

Citing the daily, Arab Times reports that Dr Behbehani said poultry shops all over the world are turning themselves into big companies where chicken are slaughtered and dressed as per specific regulations under the supervision of health experts in order to avoid the spread of diseases.

She said media awareness on the issue is necessary as citizens and residents should be made aware of the health hazards of eating fresh chicken slaughtered in unhygienic conditions.

"It can harm our health and may lead to serious complications and even death," she added.