This post was shared online with claims that Saudi Environmental activists reported over 10,000 camels were poisoned in Saudi Arabia after eating plants sprayed with locust spray. The post going further claimed that 100s of camels have died so far as per time of the post which was on 22nd February 2020.
Saudi Arabia right now
Saudi authorities used pesticides to protect plants, but ended up poisoning 10,000 camels who ate the plants, killing 100s of camels. While locust problem continues https://t.co/FHqcYji8Am pic.twitter.com/AXHjxdkTp9
— The'Nimr'Tiger (@Souria4Syrians) February 22, 2020
Background
Though the governments have not come clear on the types of chemicals used to spray the locusts, most chemicals used to spray locusts like fipronil act on the locusts’ nervous system.
According to research, fipronil kills 80% of the locust but leaves 95% of the ground uncontaminated.
America’s Environmental Policy Agency (EPA) classifies fipronil as “Group C – possible human carcinogenic”. It also warns that it is highly toxic to honeybees.
Verification
Using video verification tools, we are able to ascertain that this video has been in circulation as early as April 2015 from Idlib Khanate in Syria.
Verdict
Claims that that locust spray killed camels in Saudi Arabia is FALSE.
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