Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has issued a warning to poultry farmers after confirmation of a 'highly pathogenic' case of bird flu in England.

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) Dr. Robert Huey is encouraging all poultry keepers to "remain vigilant and take action now, as we enter this high risk period".

The case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was discovered at a swan rescue centre in Worcestershire in the West Midlands of England.

Disease control zones have been put in place around the infected site to limit the risk of the diseases spreading.

Wild birds migrating to the UK or Ireland from mainland Europe during the winter months can carry the disease, which can lead to cases in poultry and pet birds.

"This is the time to critically review your biosecurity arrangements to reduce the risk of transmission of avian influenza to poultry or other captive birds," Dr. Huey said.

DAERA outlined some measures for poultry keepers to put in place to protect birds, which include:

This is the first case of bird flu detected in the UK of the 2021-2022 flu season. Dr. Huey said it is "only a matter of time" before the disease found its way to the island of Ireland.