Dr Holohan has recommended a cull of the State’s existing mink herd which is estimated to be at 120,000 animals .

The Chief Medical Officer has said it is “as a matter of urgency”.

It follows outbreaks of Covid -19 on mink farms in Denmark, Greece Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Italy, as well the United States.

There are concerns the animals could pass a mutated strain of coronavirus back to humans and negatively affect efforts to secure effective vaccines.

The Department of Agriculture is in discussions with three farms in Donegal, Laois and Kerry.

Today on the The Last Word Matt Cooper spoke to:

Former mink farmer, Redmond O’Hanlon.

And animal rights campaigner, John Carmody.

T0 catch the full chat hit the play button below.