H5N1 bird flu detected in northern Malaysia

The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu has spread to northern Malaysia, authorities said today, after several dead chickens were found infected in a poultry-rearing village.

Officials will slaughter more than 200 birds in Permatang Bagak Village in Penang state after tests confirmed that at least six chickens died there of H5N1 last week, said Veterinary Services Department acting director general Mustapa Abdul Jalil.