Investigations of the massive deaths of live birds and poultry are underway in the country's western state of Merida, the ABN state news agency reported on Tuesday.

Samples collected from the dead birds and poultry have been sent for testing and the results will come out soon, an official from the state health authorities, was quoted as saying.

The official suggested that the dead birds and poultry might have contracted salmonella or other viruses.

He urged local residents not to panic because Venezuela has closed the border with Colombia, where cases of bird flu have been confirmed.

In recent weeks, plenty of live birds and poultry have died in Merida due to unconfirmed reasons.

Source: Xinhua