Rogers briefs Stormont on Louth FMD case

The first case of foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in the Republic.

The development was reported to the Dáil by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

The Dáil was immediately adjourned, pending a detailed statement from Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh to be followed by a detailed debate on the issue.

The virus was confirmed at a sheep farm in Proleek, County Louth, a few miles from the location in Co Armagh where, until today, the island's sole case of the disease was detected last month.

Department of Agriculture officials in Northern Ireland are engaged in emergency talks over the latest outbreak.

It had been hoped that restrictions on the movement of animals would be eased given the length of time elapsed since the North's single case of the disease at a farm in south Armagh.

The new confirmation falls within the surveillance zone around the farm at Meigh.

Northern Agriculture Minister Brid Rodgers is due to brief the Stormont Executive on the developments.

Mr Ahern told the Dáil: "This is a major disappointment, given the intensity of efforts of all sections of society here to keep the disease out of Ireland.

A new security zone was set up there last night. A number of other issues directly arise and the minister for agriculture will make a full statement as soon as possible.

"We have to prepare as soon as possible on how this is handled at national level and other matters arise." Opposition parties have pledged full support for all Government efforts to combat the disease.