Flock cull in Mayo as foot and mouth precaution
The country remains clear of Foot and Mouth disease but there is no let up in the preventative measures being used to keep us clear.
A flock of 300 sheep is being culled in Mayo as tests continue on a number of farms across the country.
Spokesmen for the district veterinary office confirm that 308 sheep will be culled later today.
The sheep in question were imported from England and officials from the Department of Agriculture know the purchase location and the route taken to Mayo.
The spokesman said this was a very low risk situation.
The sheep were first examined last Thursday and there were no clinical signs of Foot and Mouth.
However, using powers given to member states by the EU, this flock will be destroyed purely as a precautionary measure.
The cull will take place with the full agreement of the owner of the flock.
The animals will be slaughtered on the farm and their carcasses will be removed for hygienic disposal.
Restriction of movement notices on two other farms in the county have been announced as a purely preventative measure.
