Louth samples show foot-and-mouth antibodies

Antibodies to foot-and-mouth disease have been discovered in a total of four samples from animals culled in north Louth.

The samples were taken from a farm neighbouring the site of the original case in Proleek.

However, the Dept of Agriculture said it is not concerned, as the antibodies do not indicate an outbreak of the virus.

It said the results merely reinforce the sensibility of its slaughtering of all animals in the region.

In all more than 43,000 sheep, 600 cattle and 200 pigs were put down in a precautionary measure.