A nationwide housing order has come into effect for poultry flocks and captive birds to protect them from avian influenza.
It follows five detections of the virus – more commonly known as bird flu – in wild birds across Ireland since last December.
Separate detections were made in Galway and Dublin in December, with three more cases last month – in Donegal, Westmeath, and Wexford.
As a result, the Department of Agriculture announced the housing order to protect poultry flocks and captive birds from wild birds that could have the virus.
Meanwhile, 64,000 birds are to be slaughtered at a commercial poultry unit in Co Tyrone, after the discovery of a suspected case of bird flu there.
Disease-control measures are in place around the suspected outbreak near Dungannon, and samples have been sent off for confirmation.
If confirmed, it would be the first outbreak in a commercial flock this year on the island of Ireland.
A housing order is also in place across Northern Ireland.
There is particular concern for poultry flocks in border counties, including Cavan and Monaghan.
Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report any such incidents to the Department of Agriculture.
The housing order does not mean food safety is at risk.
