REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MILAN -- Highly pathogenic H5N8 bird flu strain was reported at a turkey farm in northern Italy, local media said on Wednesday.

According to ANSA news agency, the outbreak was "ascertained" by local health authorities at the farm, which is located near the city of Rovigo, in Veneto region.

The virus was reported to present strong similarities with the outbreaks registered in other European countries in latest weeks, ANSA added.

Local media reports said more than 1,200 birds were found dead from the virus at the turkey farm.