Suspected foot-and-mouth case sparks staffing fears for state vets

A SUSPECTED foot-and-mouth case has added to concerns among veterinary surgeons about diminishing numbers in the Irish State veterinary service.

Veterinary Ireland, the professional representative body for the industry, has highlighted the fact that around 50 vets who have retired from the state veterinary service have not been replaced.

The state service had around 350 veterinary surgeons at the time of the last foot and mouth in 2001.