The Department of Agriculture is urging all poultry owners to be vigilant, after a suspected case of bird flu in Co Fermanagh.

It is reminding people of the risk that avian influenza (AI) poses to the poultry sector in Ireland.

The current investigation is into the "suspected presence of a notifiable avian disease" in a broiler breeder flock in Fermanagh.

The department says: "As we are currently in the high-risk period for avian influenza, the department urges all poultry owners including backyard flock owners to be vigilant and to implement strict biosecurity on their premises, particularly in relation to minimising contact with wild birds.

"It is critically important to ensure that wild birds do not have access to feeding areas and feed stores."

Flock-owners should also regularly check their birds for signs of disease.

If they suspect any signs of the disease in their flocks, they must report it immediately to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Anyone who keeps poultry, even only one or two birds, must register their premises with the department.

Bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease affecting food producing birds, pet birds and wild birds.

It has also been found in pigs, cats and dogs.

There are two types of avian influenza virus: low pathogenic (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI), depending on the severity of the disease that they cause.

Wild birds are considered the main source of the disease, mostly through respiratory secretions and faeces.

Bird flu viruses can occasionally affect humans - usually after close contact with infected poultry.

More information on bird flu can be found here