the h5n1 strain of bird flu, potentially dangerous to humans, has spread to birds in more villages in ukraine)s crimea peninsula, the government said on friday in a statement carried by reuters . the emergencies ministry said 15 villages were affected, based on results from tests at russian laboratories. officials are awaiting final confirmation from a specialist british laboratory on the nature of the virus found in dead birds. the ministry said mass deaths among domestic birds had been noted in 27 villages in crimea, a peninsula jutting into the black sea and a a major stopping point on migratory routes. it said about 60,000 birds had been seized and destroyed in affected villages. a bulletin on wednesday reported deaths in 25 villages, including 11 with the h5n1 virus confirmed. --more
