A British government official said today there had not been any further outbreaks of foot-and-mouth across the country in the past 24 hours.
Mr Richard Drummond, head of veterinary services for the northern region of the ministry of agriculture, was speaking in Northumberland, close to the farm which was earlier this week identified as being the possible source of the current foot-and-mouth crisis.
Mr Drummond said: "I am pleased to say there have been no further confirmed cases of the disease. Nationally the total remains at six cases."
Mr Drummond went on to say it was too early to pinpoint how the virus had broken out at Burnside Farm, which is run by brothers Mr Ronnie and Mr Bobby Waugh.
He said: "We are carrying out a detailed investigation at the moment into the circumstances of how the virus may have arrived at the farm here."
Mr Drummond revealed that 600 farming premises across Britain were being visited by vets after being traced back to having supplied the Essex abattoir where foot-and-mouth was initially discovered.
Livestock marts near the border will close until further notice in response the foot-and-mouth outbreak. Hunting and shooting events have also been cancelled around Ireland.
Racegoers and horses at Fairyhouse are undergoing disinfecting procedures today in the continued effort against foot-and-mouth disease.