"It is crucial that all bird owners - from backyard hobbyists to commercial flock keepers with thousands of birds - adhere to all biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and report any suspect cases to the department as soon as possible.".
Stormont's minister of agriculture, environment and rural affairs, Andrew Muir, added: "This suspected incursion of HPAI, following the recently confirmed case at a captive bird premises near Magherafelt further shows we cannot afford to be complacent.
A legal order requiring all bird keepers - including farmers and pet owners - to follow strict biosecurity measures has been in place in Northern Ireland since 18 January.
Some 64,000 birds are being culled in Northern Ireland after a suspected case of bird flu at a commercial poultry farm.
Mr Dooher said: "The disease control measures have been taken to limit any potential spread of disease and I appeal to all bird owners - backyard and commercial - to take all necessary steps to protect your flock.".
