Austria Closes Small Border Crossings Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

In response to the spreading outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, Austria has announced the closure of small border crossings. A representative from the Health Ministry confirmed this decision on Wednesday, indicating that a regulation is currently being drafted to empower the Interior Ministry to enact these closures. The closures will primarily affect crossings where inspections cannot be effectively conducted, while larger border points will remain operational.

The decision comes after a recent outbreak was reported in neighboring Slovakia, although there are currently no indications of the disease entering Austria. There have been increasing calls for comprehensive border and health inspections to prevent the potential spread of the virus. Anja Haider-Wallner, a deputy governor in Burgenland, emphasized the need for urgent action, advocating for thorough border checks and the deployment of disinfectant mats at crossing points to manage the risk of spread.

Johannes Schmuckenschlager, the president of the Lower Austria Chamber of Agriculture, has also urged for the temporary closure of smaller crossings. He highlighted the necessity for strict enforcement of import bans on live livestock and animal products, alongside the development of a crisis response plan to ensure quick action in case of an outbreak.

In Slovakia, the Austrian military has been deployed to assist in efforts to contain the outbreak. Since March 26, the Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit has been working in the area of Dunajská Streda, where they have treated over 3,000 trucks with significant amounts of water and disinfectants. This operation is expected to continue for at least two more weeks as part of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.

The situation remains under close watch as authorities take proactive measures to safeguard public and agricultural health in Austria.