Precautionary culling begins

Four farms in Co Meath are under Department of Agriculture restriction tonight because of the foot and mouth scare.

The immediate, precautionary culling of sheep has been ordered in three different villages.

A number of other farms around the country are still being monitored but officials maintain that these are just as a precaution.

Meanwhile the Catholic Primate of All Ireland, Doctor Sean Brady, is urging people to observe the foot-and-mouth directives.

He says that the spread of the disease to Co Louth has caused further anxiety and distress.