Italy has reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in domestic birds, the Paris-based World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said yesterday.

The species and location were not listed in the report, but it did say that clinical signs were reported in 50 birds. 

Control measures, such as surveillance, zoning, quarantine and disinfection have been applied. 

The highly contagious avian flu virus has been spreading around the globe leading to the death of more than 200 millions of poultry since early last year and raising concern for governments and the poultry industry as it disrupts supply, fuels food prices and poses a risk of transmission to humans.