Preliminary tests of a suspected outbreak of foot-and- mouth disease in County Carlow, Ireland, have proved negative.
Experts from Surrey say samples from pigs with suspicious symptoms discovered at Ballon Meats abattoir, are clear of the disease.
The abattoir, and the farm which supplied the pigs, remains closed and under restrictions pending the results of more detailed tests, which are expected later this week.
The Carlow Farmers' Hunt cancelled its annual point-to-point race in Ballon on Saturday as a precautionary measure.
In March 2001, severe restrictions were imposed after a single case of foot-and-mouth disease was discovered in the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth.
A ban on angling in Ireland was imposed and the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin was cancelled, along with Ireland's Six Nations rugby union match against England.
The World Organisation for Animal Health restored Ireland's foot-and-mouth free status in September 2001.
