Despite the introduction of a series of measures in late summer 1997 to deal with the deteriorating brucellosis situation the number of brucellosis breakdowns continued to increase and by November 1997, it became clear that the number of herds restricted in accordance with EU rules would exceed 0.2 per cent of herds. The relevant EU legislation requires that for herds to retain "officially brucellosis free" status, inter alia, all bought-in eligible cattle must have passed a pre-movement test within 30 days of movement if the percentage of herds infected is greater than 0.2 per cent. Non-compliance with the directive would be detrimental to Ireland's ability to trade both in beef and dairy products.