While Ireland remains FMD-free, the Minister stressed the importance of farmers taking extra precautions
Minister Martin Heydon, TD for Kildare South, is urging continued vigilance after Slovakia confirmed three outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle.
The outbreaks are within 20km of a recent FMD case in Hungary, making Slovakia the third country to report an outbreak of FMD in 2025.
FMD, which affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, sheep, and pigs, causes significant economic losses but does not pose a risk to human health or food safety.
While Ireland remains FMD-free, the Minister stressed the importance of farmers staying vigilant and taking extra precautions, especially those traveling from affected countries.
Ireland’s strict controls, including a ban on imports from FMD-affected countries and a comprehensive surveillance system, are in place to protect Irish livestock across Kildare and throughout Ireland.

Analysis: Damning Reports Detail Rot, Fire Risks And Rodents At "Temporary" Celbridge Primary School
Kfm Obituary Notices
Major Curragh Community College Project Moves Ahead After Years Of False Starts
Plans For Walking Trail Within Castletown House Lands Under Consideration Subject To Removal Of Laurel
Council Blames Stolen Cars As It Refuses Warning Signs At Crash-Prone Bridge In Celbridge
Naas No-Shows Add To Driving Test Pressure As Kildare Test Queue Hits 1,975
Naas Hospital Promised Just 21 Extra Mental Health Beds At Lakeview Ward - With No Timeline In Sight
R405 Hazelhatch Road To Close Between Loughtown Road And Athgoe Road For Major Pipeline Works