Ministeer for Agriculture, Martin Heydon said the virus is unlikely to spread widely at the moment because of low temperatures.

The decision was described as having been taken because of the ongoing risk and uncertainty regarding bluetongue in Northern Ireland.

Arklow District Court heard evidence from ISPCA chief inspector Conor Dowling, who called to the defendant’s home in response to a report received from a concerned member of the public.

Owners of poultry and birds must keep them indoors and separate from wild birds.

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said the FMD outbreak is of ‘significant concern’ for farmers in Northern Ireland