Two fox cubs in Northern Ireland have been found to have avian influenza mutations. Avian influenza has been detected in two baby foxes in Portrush, the first virus detected in wild mammals in Northern Ireland.
It added that positive cases continue to be confirmed in wild birds. The results were confirmed following routine disease surveillance, DAERA added. Laboratory results confirmed H5N1.
Bird flu has previously been detected in mammals including seals, otters and foxes in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.
Due to the spread of bird flu, coastal residents have urged various government departments to be vigilant. The discovery in Northern Ireland comes after a conservation group warned of a "dangerous and unprecedented bird flu outbreak" in the Republic of Ireland.
Birdwatch Ireland said the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of the virus was decimating major Irish seabird colonies. Belfast's wildlife sanctuary was closed to the public last month after several ravens were found dead from the virus.
Members of the public have been requested to report their findings of dead wild birds through the online reporting form on the DAERA website. The department has appealed to residents, especially in coastal areas, to keep their dogs in kennels and keep pets away from bird carcasses.
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