Rugby: Scots say FMD won't affect Ireland clash

The Scottish Rugby Union have calmed fears that the Six Nations finale against Ireland at Murrayfield might fall victim to another outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

Seven Scottish farms have been placed under restrictions following ‘‘dangerous contact’’ with a contaminated farm in Northumberland.

The original Six Nations match against the Irish was postponed until September 22 after fears that the disease could be spread by fans.

However the SRU insist that there is no threat to the game going ahead on the re-scheduled date next month.

‘‘There has been no outbreak of foot-and-mouth in Scotland since the end of May,’’ said an SRU spokesman.

‘‘That is the basis on which the rural affairs department gives advice. That is the basis on which we act.

‘‘We are obviously concerned from the point of view of farmer’s livelihoods about the latest restrictions.

‘‘But we are absolutely confident that, at this stage, with all the scientific evidence and information we have, that there is no threat to the Scotland-Ireland game.’’