Norway reports bird flu outbreak in backyard poultry

[October 18, 2023]  PARIS (Reuters) - Norway has reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, among poultry in the northern part of the country, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said on Tuesday.

The bird flu outbreak was found in a backyard with 19 domestic birds, the Paris-based body said, quoting information from Norway's health authorities.

The spread of the highly contagious virus is raising concern among governments and the poultry industry after it ravaged flocks around the globe in the past years, disrupting supply, fueling food prices and posing a risk of human transmission.

(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide, editing by Gus Trompiz)

Test tubes labelled "Bird Flu" and eggs are seen in this picture illustration, January 14, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
 

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