The crisis meeting of the Northern Ministers has ended with David Trimble saying contingency plans had now been drawn up in case of the worst possible scenario in the foot-and-mouth scare.
Speaking after t he meeting at Stormont, the First Minister insisted it was essential that all farmers recognise a collective responsibility and he adds it is vital the source of the new outbreaks is identified.
Farmers on both sides of the border are being asked to report any illegal movement of animals.
Meanwhile in Antrim and Tyrone, culls are continuing with thousands of animals now being destroyed and their bodies burnt.