Stricter controls on the movement of animals and animal products have been introduced by the Garda and the Department of Agriculture along the Border following the latest foot-and-mouth outbreaks in Northern Ireland.
A ban on the movement of all susceptible animals, such as cattle, sheep and pigs, began at 8 p.m. on Friday, shortly after an outbreak at Ardboe, Co Tyrone, was confirmed.
This was extended to all other animals and animal products on Saturday night, hours ahead of the confirmation of a third case in the North, at Cushendall, Co Antrim.
A spokesman for the Department said "a blanket ban" was now in place, whereby anyone carrying groceries or any animal product across the Border would have them confiscated.
The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, said farmers must adopt a fortress mentality now to prevent any spread of the disease in the Republic.
Describing the latest outbreaks in Northern Ireland as "very worrying", Mr Walsh said he was appealing directly to every farmer to contain their premises and ensure foot-and-mouth disinfection procedures were rigidly observed.
"This is a salutary reminder that we have a long way to go to win this battle," he said.
"This fresh outbreak means there is a geographic spread of the disease, and not alone is it active on the island of Ireland, but it is actually rampant.
"So we have to literally redouble our efforts. We have to remain vigilant, to have each farm a fortress, a self-contained unit, to make absolutely certain that the disinfection and hygiene facilities are in place, and that along the Border with Northern Ireland there is no movement of livestock or animal products in any way."
It was on the farms of the Republic that the war against foot-and-mouth would be won or lost, he added.
Only one case has been confirmed in the Republic at Proleek, Co Louth.
It was found three weeks after the disease was detected in the North's first case across the Border at Meigh, Co Armagh.
Reacting to the latest developments, Mr Pat O'Rourke, president of the dairy farmers' body, the ICMSA, said the Minister should reintroduce guidelines against holding large sporting and cultural events in the State.
"There should be a decision at Government level to curtail all outdoor events until we get to the bottom of these infections.
"It's not good enough to have some events on and some off," he said.
"We are now in a situation of multiple foot-and-mouth outbreaks on the island of Ireland. We should revert to the situation before the relaxation of guidelines because it would be a pity if we allowed the momentum to continue and then tried to close the stable door when the horse had bolted."
The Department spokesman said it was keeping the situation under review but for the moment the guidelines were not being changed.
Some GAA matches were cancelled yesterday, including the National Football League game between Antrim and Westmeath at Casement Park.
Sinn Fein revised arrangements for events marking the anniversary of the Easter Rising near the Border.
Some speakers and bands due at a commemoration in Monaghan were asked not to travel after Sinn Fein consulted veterinary officials.
The local TD, Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain, said: "Increased vigilance on the part of all citizens on both sides of the Border is now required."
