Veterinarians in Co Carlow have sent samples from a sheep to the Pirbright animal laboratory in England to be tested for foot-and-mouth.
The lamb, which came from a farm in Kilbride, Co Carlow, was found to have mouth lesions at the Ballin Meat Plant in Carlow this afternoon. The plant has since been closed and the farm is under restriction.
A Department of Agriculture spokesman said the testing was purely precautionary and was not a major cause of concern.
He said results were not expected before next Wednesday, May 23rd, at the earliest.