The outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza occurred in Tibet's Gongga county, Xinhua news agency said, citing the China National Bird Flu Reference Laboratory.

The outbreak had been suspected as of Jan 25, but only confirmed by the laboratory on Tuesday, it said. Experts have been dispatched to the county, which lies about 50 kilometres south of Lhasa.

Local health officials have been ordered to take measures to stop the outbreak from spreading, the report said.

No details of the outbreak, such as how many birds and farms were affected, were given.

China remains on alert for frequent occurrences of bird flu which has so far infected at least 27 people in the country, 17 of whom died.

Last week, health authorities warned of an increased risk of animal-related health epidemics during the Lunar New Year holiday that begins on Feb 7, saying many local governments were not prepared.

The heightened risk in a country prone to animal diseases stems from the massive numbers of travellers and livestock expected to be transported around the country for China's biggest holiday, press reports said.

H5N1 has killed more than 200 people and ravaged poultry flocks worldwide since 2003, according to the World Health Organisation. -- AFP