China has reported an outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza in Nagqu City, southwest China´s Tibet Autonomous Region, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said Wednesday.

The highly pathogenic disease has been detected among wild birds in two areas of Nagqu, including a national wetland park. So far, 268 wild birds have been infected and killed, the ministry said.

Local authorities have activated an emergency response, sterilized the area and disposed of all dead birds safely.

H5N8 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus (also known as the bird flu virus). While H5N8 only presents a low risk to humans, it is highly lethal to wild birds and poultry.