Irish farmers are being urged to stay vigilant after a case of foot-and-mouth disease was detected in a water buffalo in Bradenburg in Germany.

It marks the country’s first case in 37 years since 1988, with authorities having introduced strict controls to prevent further spread.

The Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has said no animals susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease have been imported from Germany to Ireland since November 1.

Farmer in Ireland walking behind a herd of cows on a narrow country road on Valentia Island in County Kerry, Ireland.

However, deputy president for the Irish Farmers’ Association Alice Doyle has urged farmers to remain vigilant.

“Farmers should of course be very alert, and the Irish Department of Agriculture have been very clear that farmers need to be on the alert, they need to be vigilant for any signs so as to minimise any risk in Ireland," she said.

“If they do notice anything that they are suspicious about in their animals, they should report it immediately to the district veterinary office and then the Department will immediately kick in – they have a plan of action.”

Minister McConalogue has said his Department is taking action to protect Irish livestock following this outbreak.

Featured image: A herd of cows, © PA Wire/PA Images