Call for relocation of Pirbright lab

THE Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) yesterday called for the relocation of the Pirbright laboratory at the centre of last month’s foot and mouth outbreak in England to a safer location.

ICSA president Malcolm Thompson said “chances cannot be taken”.

“Facilities like Pirbright are essential to the future security of farming, and recent events would indicate relocation is the only option left,” he said.