Authorities criticised in the North

There has been criticism in the North of the speed and effectiveness of measures taken by the authorities after the confirmation of a foot and mouth outbreak.

Before the outbreak was confirmed, the lax nature of precautions in south Armagh was blamed on legal requirements.

But now it has been scientifically confirmed, there is no reason why strict measures should not be in place.

Michael McCoy of the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers' Association said not enough was being done to secure the farm at the centre of the outbreak.

He said it was absolutely criminal that no security cordon had been thrown around the area earlier.

Meanwhile, a man has been taken in for questioning by the RUC at Banbridge in Co Down after he declined to answer questions from Department of Agriculture staff.