AFDRU Soldiers Successfully Decontaminate 6,400 Vehicles Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

The 53 members of the Austrian Armed Forces Disaster Relief Unit (AFDRU) have recently returned to their base in Korneuburg after a significant deployment in Slovakia aimed at combating the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Since March 26, these soldiers have worked around the clock to assist local authorities in containing the outbreak, which poses a serious threat to livestock and agriculture.

During their eleven-day mission, the AFDRU specialists focused on decontaminating large vehicles at the Rajka border crossing between Hungary and Slovakia. In total, they successfully treated 6,400 vehicles using an impressive 25,000 liters of chemical solutions and 250,000 liters of water. The decontamination process involved applying chemicals to the undercarriage and wheel areas of the vehicles to eliminate any traces of the virus.

The soldiers operated under a rigorous schedule, managing to decontaminate up to 25 vehicles per hour in shifts. This required consuming approximately 1,000 liters of water and 100 liters of chemicals each hour, ensuring that vehicles were clean and safe for entry into Slovakia.

Upon their return, the soldiers will maintain and prepare their equipment for future missions. The swift action taken by the AFDRU has been commended for its role in slowing the disease's spread, allowing for timely interventions in other affected areas. The Austrian Minister of Defense emphasized the importance of European solidarity during this challenging time for agricultural sectors in both Slovakia and Austria, thanking the soldiers for their dedication and hard work.

The deployment was part of an EU disaster response initiative, showcasing collaborative efforts to address transnational crises effectively. The mission received financial support from the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism, underscoring the commitment to protecting public health and agricultural integrity within the region.