Emergency foot and mouth measures introduced in the North
New emergency measures have been introduced in Northern Ireland to combat the spread of foot and mouth.
All sporting activities in the province are cancelled. As well as this all country parks, monuments and nature reserves are closed to the public.
The Irish Government has also tightened restrictions on the movement of animals in response to the crisis.
Hauliers will require special permits to move animals from any farm for slaughter.
Northern Ireland Sports Minister Michael McGimpsey said he was heartened by action already taken by so many sporting organisations but said he was now "calling for a suspension of all sporting events".
He said: "I know that everyone will recognise the seriousness of the situation and the importance of doing everything we can to help prevent the spread of this dreadful disease".
Mr McGimpsey did not have legislative power to order a halt but was appealing to the "goodwill, responsibility and common sense" of people.
Fishing on all waters under the control of the government has been banned. All sporting events over the weekend have already been cancelled.
Meanwhile, visits to agricultural and rural land by departmental staff were halted until further notice.
The Driver and the Vehicle Testing Agency was, as far as possible, arranging for tests on farm vehicles to be deferred.
Planning Service staff will not carry out site visits to farmland unless absolutely essential.
