On the eve of the opening of Dublin Horse Show, another case of equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been confirmed by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
This is now the 15th case of the horse disease, which is commonly known as "swamp fever", which was identified in this country for the first time ever over a month ago.
A department spokesman said that, as in the two most recent cases, it was related to earlier cases and was among a small group of horses categorised by the department as being at "high risk" for EIA.
Consequently, the confirmation of equine infectious anaemia came as no surprise.
A statement from the Department of Agriculture said it was collaborating closely with the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) to ensure that no horses under restriction or from restricted premises will be allowed to enter the show.
"The department has also advised the RDS to emphasise the need to maintain very high standards of hygiene and biosecurity and the absolute necessity of maintaining strict aseptic techniques.
"In addition, the department is advising the RDS that international horses should be kept separate and apart from domestic horses," the department's statement continued.
About 1,000 horses and ponies from all over the country and from abroad will be at the Ballsbridge grounds for the next week.
There had been concerns that had the spread of the fever been more virulent, the show may have had to have been abandoned.
The event will be formally opened later today by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Vincent Jackson.
Cllr Jackson will travel from the Mansion House in the Lord Mayor's Coach, accompanied by members of the Garda Mounted Unit.
Visitors today will include Minister for Agriculture and Food Mary Coughlan, who will be visiting some of the 300 trade stands.
RDS chief executive Michael Duffy said 2006 marks the 133rd Dublin Horse Show, founded to foster and promote Irish equestrianism and the Irish horse industry.
"This year sees the introduction of a number of exciting new developments, as part of our five-year strategy aimed at enhancing the showing and breeding aspects, advancing and promoting the equestrian industry and ensuring that the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show remains an event of the highest quality," he said.
The eight international showjumping teams will battle it out in the Samsung Super League on Friday for the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy.
France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands and the United States of America will field full teams in the hope of Aga Khan glory.
Today's events
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, will officially open the show at the RDS Art and Crafts Winners Exhibition in the Concert Hall at noon.
Simmonscourt
9.15am: Five-year-old horses (Competition M1)
11.20am: Six-year-old horses (Competition E1)
1.25pm: Four-year-old horses (Competition G1)
3.25pm: 128cm Grade A ponies (Competition S1)
138cm Grade A ponies (Competition K1)
Main arena
10.45am: International Comp. No 1
12.05pm: 128cm/international riders pairs relays
1.00pm: Quadrille team display by Army Equitation School
1.20pm: The Speed Stakes (International Comp. No 2)
3.00pm: Quadrille Team Display by Army Equitation School
3.20pm: Irish Sports Council Classic (International Comp. No 3)
Ring 1
9.00am: Yearlings
10.40am: Small Hunters
12.50pm: Cobs
3.40 pm: Riding horses
Ring 2
9.00am: Led Connemara ponies
12.45pm: Two year olds
3.10pm and 4.55pm: Presentation of young event horses
Events on band lawn
11.45am/2.00pm/3.30pm/4.30pm: Billy Bubbles Magic and Punch & Judy Show
12.30pm: Entertainment TBC
5.00pm: The Band
A public judging competition will take place on each day of the show. The competition will give members of the public an opportunity to demonstrate their judging skills and the chance to win €€1,000 each day.
Competitors will be required to select the horses they think are going to win from three showing classes each day.
The entrant with the selection closest to that of the judges over the three classes will go home with €€1,000. (Classes to be confirmed).
• Please note this is a provisional timetable and may be subject to alteration