Senior gardaí in Waterford have expressed anger and concern over the increasing numbers of gardaí being bitten while on duty.
"Over the last few months there have been a number of incidents in Waterford city where members have been viciously bitten and assaulted while carrying out routine duties, and it is an issue we are very concerned about," said Insp Mick Nevin, who is based at Ballybricken.
"Gardaí face certain occupational hazards, and that is accepted. But incidents of biting are creating undue stress and anxiety for our members. Members who are bitten then have to face six months of anxious waiting for test results to ascertain if they have contracted any infectious diseases."
There was no legal obligation for an attacker to give blood to be tested in such circumstances, he said.
"We are particularly concerned with the consequences for the garda who is bitten - consequences that can be far more significant than may at first be realised."
Local Fianna Fáil Sen Brendan Kenneally has expressed horror at the increasing levels of violence being faced by gardaí.
"The idea that men and women who work hard to protect law-abiding citizens should be bitten in the course of their duties is very frightening. The terror that this type of attack brings for the gardaí involved must be enormous."