The Minister for Health, Mr Micheál Martin has issued a protocol for dealing with a suspected anthrax attack in Ireland.
The protocol was finalised today by a committee established by the Minister to develop a contingency plan in the event of a biological attack.
The document outlines procedures to be adopted in the event of a suspected anthrax attack, and includes advice on patient treatment and management and post exposure guidelines.
Preventative measures are detailed, including the use of protective clothing, antibiotic prophylaxis and immunisation.
The document also provides advice on how to handle anthrax and other biological agent threats, with guidelines on dealing with suspicious letters or packages which may contain anthrax, and details of how to identify such packages.
Guidelines are included for medical practitioners or healthcare workers who come across suspected cases of anthrax.
The protocol also contains a list of contacts in various health authorities.
The protocol has been issued to the Fire Services, the Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the Directors of Public Health.
The Minister has also give assurances today that hospitals have sufficient quantities of penicillin and of the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin which may be used to treat patients in the event of a biological attack.
"There is no reason to believe that Ireland is likely to be a target for biological or chemical warfare," the Minister said. "Nevertheless, these guidelines are being issued as a precaution."
The guidelines are currently available on the website of the Department of Health, at www.doh.ie.