The local authorities have not been able to identify the strain as of yet, reported Reuters. In a statement, the ministry said all chickens were to be slaughtered and the farm disinfected to prevent the spread of disease.

The outbreak followed several outbreaks among poultry farms in Europe and Asia in recent weeks in a sign the virus is spreading quickly again.

Several cases of severe avian influenza had already been detected in France in the past month among backyard poultry as well as a wild bird, prompting the government to impose poultry flocks be kept indoors.

A massive wave of the virus last winter led the authorities to cull over 3 million ducks in its southwestern duck-breeding region known for production of foie gras pate.

Outbreaks can prompt importing countries, notably in Asia, to impose trade restrictions on poultry products.

Avian influenza is often spread by migrating wild birds.