The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the wild bird found in late January was infected with the highly pathogenic strain of the virus.

The latest case was located in the same area as another swan diagnosed near Borrisokane three weeks earlier.

All four cases found so far this year in the Republic have been in wild swans, as was Northern Ireland's first case as reported this Thursday.

Precautions including an obligation to house poultry and prevent any contact between farmed and wild birds remain in place on both sides of the border.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said last week that bird flu was likely to be “well established in Ireland” and called on farmers to remain vigilant. The long period of indoor confinement is now raising questions for free-range poultry farmers.

The Department of Agriculture has issued specific advice tailored to turkey farmers, duck and geese farmers and backyard flock owners.

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