Horse movement not affected by foot-and-mouth

Fears the movement of horses between Ireland and England could be affected by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth in Britain were today allayed by the Department of Agriculture.

A Department spokesperson said: "There is no problem with horses being allowed in and out of the country. The disease is highly infectious in cattle, sheep, goats and pigs but does not affect horses."

The same applies to humans.

Horses cannot be infected by the disease but can carry it on their feet or tack if they come into contact with infected livestock.

Racing was halted for three months in the 1967-68 season after an outbreak of the disease.