Ireland watches closely as a foot and mouth disease outbreak in Germany threatens livestock.

Ireland is on alert after a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Germany. The last outbreak in Ireland was in 2001. If FMD emerges, severe measures like restriction zones, animal monitoring, and culling will be implemented. FMD can spread through contaminated food or overland, and Ireland has strict rules, including import controls on animal products from abroad, to prevent its entry. The Agriculture Minister and farmers urge vigilance to protect livestock and the economy.