The Minister for Agriculture tonight said he was "frightened" at the escalating number of foot-and-mouth cases in Britain.
Mr Walsh warned there would be no early relaxation of controls and restrictions aimed at keeping the disease out of the State - a development that would cause potentially irreparable damage to the farm industry.
Mr Walsh also said that "a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders" by the postponement of next week's Cheltenham Racing festival.
The event was called off last night but the Government had already strongly urged race fans not to attend because of fears they might bring the animal virus back to Ireland.
The Minister said: "The number of cases in Britain now makes the position frightening.
"All sections of the community here will have to put with the disappointment of the restrictions, which must remain in place until the situation in Britain subsides."
Since soon after the start of the outbreak in Britain - and subsequent confirmation of a case beside the border, in Co Armagh - the Government has imposed some of the most rigorous regulations in the history of the State.
Department of Agriculture officials said tonight the regime would be toughened, rather than relaxed, in view of the continuing crisis in Britain.
Agriculture Department senior veterinary officer, Colm Gaynor, said: "This is a very difficult time and not a time to relax at all - certainly not for a couple of weeks.
"We must be more vigilant than ever, that is absolutely essential."
PA