Further easing of foot-and-mouth restrictions

The Minister for Agriculture Mr Joe Walsh TD, has announced a further easing of foot-and-mouth control measures.

The Minister for Agriculture Mr Joe Walsh TD, has announced a further easing of foot-and-mouth control measures.

 Joe Walsh
Minister for Agriculture Mr Joe Walsh

The permit system needed for the movement of horses around the State was abolished from midnight last night. However, the importation of horses from the UK is still prohibited.

Applications for farm-to-farm movements of cattle will be accepted by fax at South Western Services (SWS), Bandon from Monday May 21st.

The ban on sheep shearing, which has been extended until May 28th, shows that the spread of foot-and-mouth disease is still possible.

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Meanwhile, figures published by the Department show five cases of BSE were reported in May leaving the total number of cases this year at 51.

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy is Digital Production Editor of The Irish Times