Some foot-and-mouth disease controls have been relaxed, it was announced by the Minister for Agriculture this morning.
|
|
Disinfecting procedures will continue
|
Mr Walsh was unveiling recommendations from an expert group established earlier this month to examine foot-and-mouth controls throughout the State.
Indoor events, where routine disinfection procedures are adhered to and which do not involve access to agricultural land or susceptible livestock, will be allowed to proceed, according to the Minister, as they present a low risk to the spread of the virus.
Outdoor sporting events such as gaelic games and soccer will be allowed to recommence on a phased basis from March 23rd.
However, restrictions on higher risk events such as horse racing, show-jumping and livestock shows remain "strictly in place", he said.
Minister Walsh said the Government was "extremely concerned about the ongoing situation in the UK". He added, there was no room for complacency in Ireland and called for the "utmost vigilance" from farmers in particular.
He said it was important that farmers stick to the Department’s guidelines which include changing ones clothes after leaving a farm and showering, as the disease is readily transportable via the hair as well as the skin.