Ireland has not had a case of foot and mouth disease, which is one of the most contagious diseases of livestock, since the outbreak in 2001.

Deputy president of the Irish Farmers' Association, Alice Doyle, is urging farmers here to stay vigilant.

Jim Flannery, brand ambassador with OMC Claims, said some farmers might find themselves unable to access money to repair their sheds.

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill applies to cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses

The chair of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) livestock committee, Brendan Golden, has called for political pressure to be maintained to swiftly resolve the halting of beef exports to China