Ireland's agriculture industry was boosted today when the Swiss government eased a ban on imports from the country.
The move followed a formal declaration last week that Ireland was regarded as free from foot-and-mouth after the completion of a 30-day period since confirmation of the country's sole case of the disease.
Switzerland, who lifted a similar imports prohibition on France at the same time, said the decision had been taken because neither country had reported a foot-and-mouth outbreak for a month.
The development means the State can export beef and lamb to the Swiss with immediate effect.
Minister for State at the Department of Agricultural, Mr Noel Davern, tonight said progress was being made in efforts to clamp down on illegal animal movements reckoned to be contributing to the crisis.
Gardaí and the Department of Agriculture activity has been concentrated in Co Tipperary, where a number of groups of farm animals have been found wandering on roads with identifying ear tags, suggesting they were in the area illicitly.
As many as 50 animals suspected of being smuggled into the Republic from Northern Ireland over a period of weeks were seized in the area over the weekend in moves titled Operation Oxblood.
More raids were made today and the operation was expected to continue throughout the week.
Mr Davern reported that the investigation had been aided by "dozens of calls" made to a confidential telephone service set up in a bid to get hold of information about smuggling.
PA