Steps to avoid the spread of foot and mouth disease put in place after confirmation of an outbreak in Armagh.
Checkpoints on cross-border roads and travel restrictions in some counties are just two of the measures introduced to prevent foot and mouth disease spreading from the United Kingdom to Ireland.
Britain has reported thirty nine cases of Foot and Mouth disease and one outbreak was confirmed in County Armagh yesterday.
Border patrols and checks at points of entry to the state are being increased, and a major extension of checkpoints on cross-border roads was announced by Minister for Agriculture Joe Walsh and Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne earlier today.
Special permits are now required for hauliers in the Republic of Ireland when transporting animals from farms to slaughterhouses. All non-essential visits to farms by state agencies have been cancelled. Every public office must now install a disinfectant system.
The postal service could face disruption, An Post has been directed not to make deliveries to farms if disinfectant measures are not in place.
No mat, no mail policy.
Angling and eel fishing are now banned. Religious services in affected areas have been cancelled, and due to the increase in precautions around the country there has been a huge demand for disinfectant.
Jack Moran from Midland Farm Feeds was very busy yesterday, but for those such as Evelyn Keaney unable to source disinfectant, washing soda proved a suitable alternative.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 March 2001. The reporter is Joe O'Brien.
