The contingency plan to contain and prevent the spread of the disease included the closure of national and historic venues near and dear to the Irish and their guests. The coverage was perceived as saying the disease was in Ireland. Only one confirmed case, in County Lough bordering Northern Ireland, has been reported in the republic. As of April 24 there have been four confirmed cases in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, the confirmed case count stands at more than 1,450 in the United Kingdom.
British officials say they have turned the corner on the disease.
The containment efforts in Ireland are never far from foot. Two large mats positioned in front of the airport entrance doors are the first of many sole reminders that the Irish take these preventive measures seriously. Mat material varies from thick pieces of foam rubber to large sections of used carpet saturated with approved disinfectant. The soggy surfaces are on doorsteps, ferry gangways, the thresholds of pubs, restaurants and shops. Many fear what's strictly an animal health issue is being confused with a public health issue - mad cow disease.