Northern livestock-dealers Ireland who flouted import rules will face legal action, Agriculture Minister Ms Bríd Rodgers pledged today.
Amid heightening fears more sheep with foot-and-mouth could have been brought into the North she criticised irresponsible dealers she claimed had imperilled the industry's future.
Department of Agriculture officials believe diseased sheep brought into the State without proper documentation caused the crisis.
There were claims today men behind a cross-Border smuggling operation were hampering desperate attempts to contain it.
Ms Rodgers told an agriculture meeting at the Northern Ireland Assembly today her department had acted swiftly and decisively with people who had fully co-operated.
But she added: "It is more difficult to take action where the presence of animals is not known or where misleading information has been given to the whereabouts of sheep.
"In due course the full process of law will be taken against those responsible."
One importer has already been questioned by officials and later released.
Today an exclusion zone was set up around a south Armagh farms at the centre of the emergency.
Ms Rodgers said cattle on a neighbouring farm at Meigh had also been slaughtered as a precaution.
She added: "It will also be necessary to slaughter further animals connected with this outbreak."
The Minister confirmed more sheep imported illegally from Scotland and dispersed in the south Derry area were now being investigated for the disease.
Ms Rodgers said a number of other suspected outbreaks were being investigated.
The farmer whose property is at the centre of the outbreak stressed he has co-operated fully with the authorities.
Mr Maurice Collins stated that at no time did he own, buy or sell the sheep.
PA