The Government will learn today if foot-and-mouth has reached the State. Samples taken from sheep on a Co Louth farm are being processed in Britain at the only authorised testing facilities in these islands.
Last night the final touches were being put to a special interdepartmental contingency plan which will be immediately implemented should an outbreak be confirmed.
This would include closing schools and other public places and restricting movements of people and vehicles in areas where an outbreak might occur.
Department of Agriculture officials have traced 72 sheep which came in from Britain using information supplied by a dealer who has been questioned by British police about the illegal importation of sheep.
This led to the immediate slaughter of nearly 300 animals on a Co Louth farm and an investigation at the Kildare Chilling Plant, where sheep from the same flock had been processed. It has been closed down pending the investigation.
Tissue samples have been sent to the laboratory in Britain for analysis. If the samples are positive, the results will be known later today. However, it will take a further 48 hours to verify a negative result.
In the UK confirmed cases reached 40 yesterday.
As the anxious wait continued in the Republic, the build-up of troops from the Defence Forces continued along the Border. There are now 4,000 personnel in place in a desperate attempt to keep out the disease which could cause disruption to Ireland's economy.
That damage could knock 1.5 per cent off the State's current rate of economic growth in a full year, according to Mr Jim Power, at Friends First Asset Management.
However, a counter-view was put forward by Mr Jim O'Leary, of Davy Stockbrokers, who disputed predictions of the demise of Irish farming and the economy if the disease strikes in the State.
The first indications of what might happen were felt yesterday when France officially imposed a temporary ban on the import of live animals.
The US has tightened controls on the £80 million in exports of casein (dairy by-product) and chocolate crumb. US Department of Agriculture permission will now be required to import these products. However, according to a Department of Agriculture official, the US authorities have not moved against the largest segment of exports, cream liqueurs and soft cheeses.
The Attorney General, Mr Michael McDowell, has given the Government assurances that amendments can be produced quickly if existing legislation fails to deal with an outbreak.
The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, is expected to announce even tighter controls on the movement of animals for slaughter later today. Farmers will not be allowed move animals to abattoirs or meat plants without a permit.
Meanwhile, there have been many complaints from farmers about overcharging for disinfectants. They are being charged up to £50 for a gallon container which cost only £10 before the disease scare broke.