It is unrealistic to expect farmers and the public to observe draconian measures against foot-and-mouth in the long term, according to cattle traders' representatives.
The general secretary of the Irish Cattle Traders' and Stockowners' Association warned that the Government needed "now to implement a long-term sustainable approach that will keep Ireland free of foot-and-mouth into the foreseeable future".
Mr Eddie Punch said efforts to combat the disease in Co Louth needed to be intensified. "It is clear that this will place an extremely severe burden on the people of Louth," and this would have to be recognised through compensation packages, he added.
However, even if these measures were successful, "as long as the epidemic is present in Britain the threat to Ireland will continue. Farmers and the general public cannot continue to observe draconian measures that are unrealistic over a prolonged period."
Mr Punch said a number of the controls at present in place were "not sustainable over a longer time frame". These included the cancellation of conferences, functions and sporting events, the ban on movement of livestock between farms, bans on trading of livestock and essential farm work.
"We must devise a strategy that will facilitate these activities but with a strictly observed code of practice that will minimise the risk. If we have a regime that is too draconian, ultimately people will break ranks. On the other hand, if we have sensible precautions we can achieve a balance between what is desirable and what is achievable," he said.