Bird flu has been confirmed in a wild bird in County Down in recent weeks.
It was one of “multiple” detections of the virus around coastal regions of Great Britain and Ireland, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera).
It has called for continued vigilance by flock owners and bird keepers.
The disease has also been confirmed in a small backyard flock in County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, and in flocks across six locations in England.
In all cases, the birds were humanely culled to prevent further spread.
A spokesperson for Daera said the findings “highlight the persistent and serious threat posed by avian influenza to both commercial and backyard flocks” and added that “strict biosecurity” was key to preventing the introduction and spread of the disease.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 poses a serious threat to the economically significant poultry sector in Northern Ireland.
In February, birds at three farms and a captive bird collection in County Tyrone were culled, after the virus was confirmed in the flocks.
It was the first time the disease had been found in a commercial setting since December 2021.
The outbreaks began as a housing order came into force across Northern Ireland.
That order was lifted at the start of May.
But the ban on poultry gatherings remained in place until the end of May.
Anyone who keeps any number of birds outside is required by law to register their flocks.
Dead wild birds can be reported online to Daera but because the virus is known to be circulating in the wild bird population, not every carcass will be collected and tested.
