FMD Europe: Austria closes borders for pigs, cattle
Austria has closed 24 small border crossings with Hungary and Slovakia in an attempt to stop the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) into the country. Austria was last affected by FMD in 1981.
The Austrian border closures as of 5 April were announced in the wake of the emergence of the disease in cattle in recent weeks (March) in both Hungary and Slovakia, both countries have been free from FMD for 50 years.
Slovakian authorities have declared an “emergency situation” after 6 outbreaks occurred in the country in recent weeks, the latest on April 4. Hungary so far reported 4 outbreaks, in the country’s north east. In both countries the casualties exceed 3,000 cows.
FMD prevention
Austrian police are diligently carrying out prevention measures at larger border checkpoints, ensuring strict checks and inspections to stop the disease from entering. Checks are also being carried out at the border crossings that remain open. Cars as well as pedestrians are crossing over an epidemic rug, also known as a disinfection mat, to prevent the virus from spreading. Inspections include checks on vehicles for meat products which are prohibited from being brought into Austria.
UK ban on Austrian cattle and produce
In recent days, the United Kingdom has prohibited the import of live cattle, fresh meat and dairy products from Austria due to the FMD outbreaks just across the Austrian border. Those travelling from Austria are not allowed to bring meat, meat products, dairy products or food products into Britain. A similar ban is also in place for Hungary and Slovakia.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK chief veterinary officer, was quoted to say, “We have seen a disturbing number of Foot and Mouth cases on the continent, and we need to stay on high alert to the risk of disease incursion – as a government, at the border and on our farms.”
Britain’s farming minister Daniel Zeichner added, “The confirmation of FMD disease in a 3rd European country is a serious concern, the government will take whatever action is necessary to prevent the further spread of disease.”
Join 18,000+ subscribers
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated about all the need-to-know content in the pigsector, three times a week.
