A man has claimed in the High Court that he contracted brucellosis while working as a plumber in meat-rendering plants.
Matthew Ryan (67), Bianconi Drive, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, is suing his employer and a number of meat plants after being diagnosed in 2006 with brucellosis.
While he has received treatment, the disease remains dormant within his system and can recur at any time, it is also claimed.
Mr Ryan alleges he contracted it due to having to work close to animal carcasses and from breathing in fumes.