The Commission also highlights the potential for dramatic savings to countries' health and welfare budgets in the long term from preventing cases of liver disease.

BBC: War on drugs 'driving hepatitis C pandemic'

The government described the new regulations as a "compromise" between the welfare needs of animals, and the need to continue fighting the disease.

BBC: Disquiet over farm disease rules

The council had agreed an all-island animal health and welfare strategy which had the potential to help prevent and reduce animal disease spreading, said the minister.

BBC: North South Ministerial meetings