People returning from holiday in areas affected by foot-and-mouth disease are advised to stay vigilant and avoid contact with livestock for two weeks.
Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon shared concerns, noting, “The risk to Ireland from exotic animal diseases is higher now than at any time in the modern era.”
Recent outbreaks have been confirmed in Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, with Germany previously declaring an FMD case in January 2025.
Austria has established restriction zones around outbreaks close to Hungary and Slovakia, although it is currently FMD-free.
Biosecurity measures are recommended for those arriving in Ireland from affected regions, with heightened surveillance near border areas.
