Norway has reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, among poultry in the northern part of the country, Reuters reported, citing the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on Tuesday.

The avian influenza 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, fuelling food prices and posing a risk of human transmission.