Italy said this afternoon it will resume imports of live cattle from Ireland.
Italy's decision follows moves by Spain and Lebanon to resume imports of live cattle and Russia in relation to beef and pork. Last year Italy imported over 60,000 live cattle from the State.
The Minister for Agriculture Mr Walsh said a "concerted and co-ordinated campaign is under way" to win back other crucial markets. He cited Egypt as an example, one of Ireland's most important customers which remains closed. Exports there had been worth £200 million.
Mr Walsh said specific markets are being targeted on a case-by-case basis."Some are particularly crucial in view of their size and these are getting top priority," he said.
In a separate development two samples taken from a calf in Co Cork and a bullock in Co Laois tested negative for foot-and-mouth.