NI Executive to get briefing on foot and mouth outbreak

The Northern Executive is due to receive a briefing today on the latest state of play in relation to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in England.

Yesterday, the EU formally approved an exemption for Northern Ireland from the export ban on British meat.

However, Northern food processors say they are still experiencing difficulties and uncertainties, leaving millions of pounds worth of contracts at stake.

Government vets who attended yesterday's meeting in Brussels will today brief Ian Paisley, Martin McGuinness and Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew on the current status of the outbreak.