Samples from Laois bullock sent for tests

Blood and tissue samples from a Co Laois bullock will be tested for foot-and-mouth.

The animal from a farm in Clonaslea was visited by a veterinarian. A single mouth ulcer was discovered in the animal and it was decided to send samples to the Pirbright laboratories in Britain for testing.

A Department of Agriculture spokesman said the move was precautionary. The animal has not been culled and no other animals on the farm had ulcers.

Results from a sheep killed in Carlow last week are expected later this afternoon. He added this case was not a cause of concern.