Defence force deployed in anti-foot and mouth drive

This afternoon the Army was called in as the Government activated its anti-foot-and-mouth regime after the Louth case was confirmed. It is the first appearance of the virus in 60 years.

Within minutes of the Taoiseach Mr Ahern's report to parliament that intensive month-long efforts to keep the virus out of the State had ended in failure, a military operation was being implemented.

In another move Prof P.J. Quinn, of University College Dublin's veterinary department called for the whole country to be put on alert - with the postponement of all public meetings.

Prof Quinn said the public had an important part to play and said public meetings and gatherings should be suspended until the disease was under control.

The Defence Forces were drafted in to boost measures to counter the possible proliferation of the virus.

Capt Paul Connors reported: "In response to this very disappointing news we have put a comprehensive operation in place.

"We have issued it to all of our brigades to deal with a wide range of tasks based on requests from the Department of Agriculture.

"We have deployed troops at Dublin port, where they will monitor all ships' refuse and waste to ensure it is being disposed of in accordance with guidelines.

"And troops will approach all captains of ships entering Dublin port to advise them of current disinfectant procedures and issue them with disinfectant and mats on a 24-hour basis."

Additional reporting PA