An outbreak of bird flu in North Korea, originating from a poultry farm in the capital Pyongyang, is quickly spreading to other provinces.

An official in North Korea said Wednesday that provincial poultry farms have also reported losses from the avian flu. The official expressed concern that the viral outbreak could prove to be widespread due to negligent quarantine systems in the North's provincial areas, as compared to those in Pyongyang.

The official also said sales of poultry were recently suspended in the capital city, adding that the bird flu may be spreading faster than expected.

He revealed, however, that foreign visitors were still able to order poultry dishes in hotels and restaurants, but added that the origin of such poultry has yet to be identified.