OSLO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Norwegian authorities have confirmed the detection of avian influenza in wild birds in two counties in northern Norway, public broadcaster NRK reported Wednesday.
NRK quoted authorities as saying that a larger outbreak is underway in the counties of Troms and Nordland. "Avian influenza has been detected in 12 different locations across Nordland and Troms in August and September," said Hege Osen, head of the production animal division for northern Norway at the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet).
Mattilsynet has notified the Bodo municipality, capital of Nordland County, about the situation. The virus is deadly to birds and primarily spreads among avian populations. The authorities noted that the risk of transmission to humans is very low but urged the public to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds. ■
