Reducing Animal Transports to Curb Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spread

In light of the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease detected in Hungary and Slovakia, alongside reports of suspected cases in South Tyrol, concerns are mounting among farmers in Austria regarding the health of their livestock. The European Parliament's Agriculture spokesperson has emphasized the importance of adhering to stringent EU regulations for managing infection hotspots to protect both animals and farmers.

To mitigate the spread of this highly contagious disease across Europe, it is essential to reduce the number of animal transports. Extended journeys across the continent not only contribute to significant animal suffering but also facilitate the transmission of infectious diseases across national borders. There is clear evidence that diseases like bluetongue were spread through these long-distance animal transports.

While many animal diseases pose little threat to human health, the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria presents a serious concern, with more than 33,000 fatalities reported annually in the EU. Studies commissioned by the European Parliament have established a link between animal transport and the spread of these resistant strains.

In response to these challenges, advocates are calling for shorter transport times and increased support for regional slaughterhouses, which would help protect animal welfare and bolster local agriculture. The existing EU legislation governing animal transport, which is now two decades old, is currently undergoing reform. Discussions in the European Parliament have just commenced, with votes in the Agriculture and Transport Committee anticipated in the upcoming fall.