Live cattle exports to Spain resume

The Minister for Agriculture today announced aresumption of live cattle exports to Spain.

The trade had been suspended over the BSE crisis in the European Union at the end of last year. The outbreak of foot-and-mouth added to the problem.

Mr Walsh said this was particularly welcome now andwas another major step to normality in the cattle andbeef sectors.

He said difficulties involving the use of staging posts in Francewere being discussed today at Ireland's request at the EU StandingVeterinary Committee. This is with a view to agreeing arrangements acceptable to all member-states concerned.

It would allow over-land transport to Spain but in the meantime exports to Spain would be direct. He added the Department had had "high-level contact" with Lebanese officials with a view to reopening this market.

The Department's foot-and-mouth expert committee isalso meeting today to discuss whether to allow marts across the State to resume normal business.

Under present restrictions marts are only allowed to operate asassembly points for animals being moved to slaughter.

A relaxing of the curbs could pave the way for a resumption oflive exports. The committee is due to make recommendations later today.

Meanwhile results from a possible suspect foot-and-mouth case in Co Carlow areexpected this afternoon. Samples taken from a sheep at a farm in Kilbride were sent to England last Thursday.

The lamb was found to have mouth lesions at the Ballon Meat Plant in Co Carlow. The plant has since been closed and the farm is underrestriction.

A Department of Agriculture spokesman said it was not overlyconcerned and the testing was precautionary.