TOKYO - Japan's Ministry of the Environment has raised the nationwide bird flu alert to the highest level after detecting highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in two towns in Hokkaido prefecture of northern Japan.

The decision followed the detection of the virus in two separate instances in Hokkaido. On Sept 30, the virus was found in the carcass of a falcon in Otobe town and on Oct 8, the virus was detected in droppings from wild ducks in Betsukai town.

Authorities are calling for heightened monitoring of wild birds across the country.

The ministry said that while bird flu generally does not pose a threat to humans unless there is excessive contact with infected birds, they are urging the public to avoid touching bird carcasses and to report any findings to local authorities.

READ MORE: Japan sees 1st avian flu outbreak of season, culling 50,000 birds

As multiple detections of the virus in various regions were reported across Japan, the ministry has raised the nationwide alert to the highest level 3, promising efforts to intensify surveillance and investigation into the spread of the virus.