A leading health expert has warned that an outbreak of Covid-19 in minks could halt vaccine development if the mutation proves to be 'dominant'.
Dr Gabriel Scally explained that the new version of the virus may change as it spreads back to people, meaning the race for a way to stop the virus altogether could be slowed down.
A mutated form of coronavirus in the mammals, which are widely bred for their fur, has led to a nationwide cull in Denmark and sent parts of the country into lockdown.
While the mutated strain is not believed to be more dangerous, public health officials fear it could undermine the efficacy of a future vaccine.
And Dr Scally reiterated such concerns, saying: "I think it's a really, really important issue, which isn't being properly explained.
"This virus, which came from an animal source, has gone back into an animal and back into humans. And the virus has changed along the way.
"The concern is that if this new strain becomes a dominant strain, that a lot of the work with the vaccines will be for nothing. That those vaccines, they may not be hopeless, but it will reduce their effectiveness.
"That's at the heart of this issue, if this virus continues to change."
Asked about whether Ireland should ban travel from Denmark as opposed to the current 14-day quarantine rule, he told Today With Claire Byrne: "Personally, I think we should absolutely restrict travel from Denmark, until they in Denmark, with this mink related outbreak, have it under control."
He added: "All the evidence shows that self-isolation is not working well."
Dr Scally said there isn't any evidence yet to suggest this version of the virus is more extreme, but said it is concerning that it could hinder vaccine development.
And speaking about the upcoming Christmas period, he said that many measures will have to be taken for the festive season.
"I think there is a whole issue with the hospitality industry and how it can be made safe, if it can be made safe over this period", he said.
"Clearly Christmas is such a big family thing, and it's going to pose huge difficulties this year.
"Of course, traditionally, a lot of people come home to Ireland at that time and that's going to cause some problems no doubt...
"And the virus hasn't gone away, and in fact, the numbers are still very high. They're coming down. The latest restrictions are working effectively in bringing the numbers down.
"But it will be a really, really difficult period.
"The best way to do it is to make sure the guidance, and that everyone owns the guidance, and sticks to the social distancing, and also takes all those other steps that aren't talk about much, like ventilation and making sure, even in this season, that windows are open and that places of work, and places where people live, are properly ventilated."
