Beleaguered farmers were today facing the stark reality the foot-and-mouth crisis is far from over.
Britain's Chief Veterinary Officer Mr Jim Scudamore effectively ruled out hopes of an early reprieve.
With the latest tally standing at 106 confirmed cases Mr Scudamore last night told farmers: "We will not see the disease disappearing at the end of this week and this outbreak is going to last for a long time."
His admission appeared to contradict the European Commission's understanding earlier this week the disease had already "peaked" in Britain.
Mr Scudamore said 89,000 animals had now been earmarked for slaughter and 61,000 were already culled.
Restrictions were still in place on 144 farms pending ongoing investigations while 68 premises had already been classified as "dangerous contacts". In these cases animals were destroyed.
Concern has heightened in Ireland over the proliferation of the virus in Britain, where it seems to be "out of control", according to the Minister for Agriculture Mr Walsh.
He added 649 farms were now restricted in the State under control measures and he had been assured no animals had crossed the Border illegally since the import ban was put in place.
PA