Vets have expressed concern at the relaxation of the pet passport scheme next year because of the danger posed to human health from rabies and a dog tapeworm.
It was seeking a meeting with Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney with a view to minimising the risks.
Alan Rossiter of Veterinary Ireland said the worm, which is prevalent in mainland Europe in foxes and dogs, can be passed to humans who develop parasitic cysts in the liver, lungs and brain, which is fatal in 95 per cent of cases if not treated.
