Paraguay Confirms Bird Flu Cases

Cases of bird flu have been detected in backyard chickens in Paraguay, authorities said Saturday.

The disease was found in the domesticated birds from the towns of Mariscal Estigarribia and Neuland in Mennonite farming areas, the National Animal Health and Quality Service (Senacsa) reported.

The potential cause being investigated is chickens having contact with infected migratory birds, the office said.

"The birds will be slaughtered to eliminate the source of infection," Senacsa said.

The disease has spread in Latin America in recent months and has triggered phytosanitary alerts.