ON March 28th, following the movement restrictions announced by the Taoiseach the previous evening, the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) (the regulatory body for the Irish veterinary profession) published an update recommending “that all veterinary practices confine their services to emergency treatment and care required in the interests of animal welfare, and services required in the support of food production.”

The Department of Agriculture identified farming, food and animal production and the care of animals as services that are still permitted, but with social distancing and hygiene precautions in place.