A suspected case of Bluetongue virus has been identified in cattle in Northern Ireland.
Officials in Stormont's Agriculture Department say they are liaising with colleagues in the Republic of Ireland as part of all-island disease control measures.
Bluetongue is primarily transmitted through biting midges and affects cattle and sheep as well as goats, deer, llamas and alpacas.
It is predominately spread in summer.
While it does not have implications for human health it can have serious consequences for livestock and the agri-food industry.
The suspected outbreak was discovered in two cows on a holding near Bangor, Co Down.
A livestock movement ban has been introduced with a 20km radius.
Stormont's Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said the suspected cases were of great concern and urged compliance with the restrictions.
"While there was always a potential for Bluetongue to arrive here, given its prevalence in GB and the EU, we must now do all we can to protect our livestock and limit the spread of the disease.
"Members of the public should be reassured the virus does not have any impact on people or food safety.
"My department is working closely with all stakeholders, including colleagues in GB and the Republic of Ireland, to monitor the situation," Mr Muir said.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has described the suspected bluetongue outbreak in the north as "unwelcome".
He said it has "potentially serious implications".
"If the disease becomes established in one part of the island, it will be that much easier for it to spread, with consequences for animal health and welfare, and financial and emotional stress for farmers.
"However, I must emphasise that bluetongue does not have any implications for human health or food safety," he added.
Minister Heydon said he is "engaging closely" officials in the north and that a "collaborative and supportive approach" will be taken on the issue.
The Department of Agriculture will be carrying out enhanced and targeted surveillance to find the disease if it is present in the Republic of Ireland.
These actions will include on-farm surveillance, blood sampling of cattle and sheep, testing livestock submitted to Regional Veterinary Laboratories, sampling of cattle routinely slaughtered at meat plants, and encouraging farmers and vets to report any suspect cases to their Regional Veterinary Office.
Northern Ireland's Chief Vet Brian Dooher urged farmers to be vigilant.
"Bluetongue virus is unpredictable and can spread rapidly through and between flocks and herds.
"Colleagues have been preparing for a possible incursion of this disease and have been working closely with our colleagues in the Republic of Ireland to ensure a co-ordinated response in tackling any incursion.
"I would urge all farmers to ensure they source their animals responsibly," he said.
"The spread of Bluetongue could have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.
"Furthermore, all livestock owners should remain vigilant for signs of the disease. It is imperative that keepers report any symptoms immediately," Mr Dooher added.
