TOKYO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The prefectural government of Iwate, northeastern Japan, has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a poultry farm, local media reported Saturday.

The farm in the town of Kanegasaki reported to a livestock hygiene service center on Friday morning that an unusual increase in bird deaths had been observed, Jiji Press reported, citing local authorities.

A simple test returned positive results, and subsequent genetic examinations later confirmed the infection, the report said.

About 560,000 egg-laying hens at the affected farm will be culled to prevent further spread of the virus, it added.

This is this season's 20th outbreak of avian influenza at a poultry farm nationwide and the first confirmed case in Iwate. ■