Troops sent in as disease finally strikes
Troops have been called in as the Government activates a tough anti-foot-and-mouth regime.
The move follows confirmation of the disease in the Republic for the first time in 60 years.
Within minutes of Bertie Ahern's report to the Dail that month-long efforts to keep the virus out of the country had failed, a military operation was being implemented.
Army Captain Paul Connors said: "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 be 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."
However, the Department was unable to confirm whether soldiers would be drafted in to aid in operations in the exclusion zone around the Co Louth farm where today's case was found.
In another move, one of Ireland's leading veterinary experts has called for the whole country to be put on alert - with the postponement of all public meetings.
Professor P J Quinn, of University College Dublin's veterinary department, said the public have an important part to play and advised that public meetings and gatherings should be suspended until the disease is brought under control.
