Foot & Mouth: Ireland Travel Update

• By: Editor
• On: 08/Aug/07
• In: Uncategorised

Despite the latest case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the United Kingdom, visitors to Ireland need not be concerned as there are currently no travel restrictions in place. According to Ireland's Department of Agriculture and Food there are: "no serious health implications" for the general public. They go on to say that "It is not a food safety issue and there is no threat to human health from the consumption of livestock products including meat and dairy products."

If you are flying from the UK to Ireland you'll find that there are disinfecting procedures in place (this usually involves walking on a disinfected sponge or matt) to help prevent the spread of the disease to Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture and Food in Ireland is advising all incoming airline passengers from the UK: If you have visited a farm with cattle, sheep, goats or pigs on your travels you must report to the Department of Agriculture and Food office located in the Arrivals Hall. Fresh meat or unpasteurised milk products bought in Great Britain may not be brought into Ireland. If you are carrying any of these products they must be disposed of in the bins provided in the Arrivals Hall."

And in relation to visitors not arriving through airports, they state that: "Those travelling from Great Britain may not bring fresh meat or untreated milk and milk products (made from raw milk) of susceptible animals into this country."

There are however major restrictions on the transportation and exportation of livestock from the United Kingdom, so your best bet is to check out the Irish Government's Department of Agriculture and Food website for further details and information.

And in the meantime we'll keep you informed of any travel news as the situation develops.