Pigs that were tested for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in County Carlow, Ireland are free of the disease. The tests were carried out following the discovery of a suspected case at an abattoir on Friday, January 21; however, after a nerve-wracking weekend for the industry, experts announced on Monday, January 24, that none of the suspected animals had tested positive. 12 pigs were tested in total.
Ballon Abattoir, where the pigs were discovered, and the farm of origin will remain closed until further, more extensive tests have been carried out.
The World Organisation for Animal Health restored Ireland's foot-and-mouth free status in September 2001, following the discovery of a single case in March 2001.
