Avian Flu: cases detected on the north coast
Public Health officials in Northern Ireland issued a warning tonight (Tuesday) after avian flu was found in seabirds on the north coast.
It follows positive test results in Rathlin last week.
The latest cases were recorded in one gannet and four guillemots discovered at the Portrush West Strand and Portballintrae.
The Public Health Agency said human infections with avian influenza were rare and that the risk to the general public's health was very low.
However, it is warning against picking up or touching any dead or injured wild birds - as this can cause the disease to spread to other colonies of seabirds or poultry flocks.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said it was working closely with public health officials and local councils and has taken proactive measures to improve biosecurity at seabird breeding colonies.
Last year saw the largest ever outbreak of avian flu in the UK which led to a number of disease control measures being introduced in Northern Ireland.