Sukadana, Lampung Province (ANTARA News) - Bird flu (Avian Influenza or the H5N1) virus has stricken three sub districts in East Lampung District, killing at least 1,176 chickens.

"In the current rainy season, chickens are prone to various diseases, including bird flu," Dewanto, head of the East Lampung district animal health unit, said here on Friday.

Some 1,176 chickens had died in seven villages since early January 2010, while in 2009 there had been only 708 dead chickens in 11 villages.

The affected villages include Sukadana, Purbolinggo, and Marga Tiga, East Lampung. (*)