Reducing The Risk Of Exotic Animal Diseases Entering Ireland

A notice has been issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine in order to reduce the risk of exotic animal diseases entering the country and posing a threat to the Irish agriculture industry.

All passengers coming to the Republic are requested to present themselves to the Department’s desk upon arrival.

The following precautions must be adhered to if you have been on a farm or have had any contact with livestock:

  • Disinfect equipment, footwear, and clothing that may have been used or worn during farm visits
  • Wash and shower, including hair, and clean fingernails thoroughly before attending to livestock
  • Consult your veterinarian before having contact with livestock
  • Any meat, milk or animal products from outside the EU must be surrendered and disposed of in red bins in the arrivals hall

The Department’s notice reads:

“Animal diseases, such as Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian Influenza and Classical Swine Fever are present in many parts of the world and pose a serious threat to Irish agriculture.

“Animal disease can also be transmitted by meat, meat products, milk, dairy products, hides, skins and animal trophies, contaminated equipment, clothing or footwear and subsequently infect susceptible animals which consume or come into contact with these products.”