Austrian Disaster Relief Unit Concludes Mission Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Slovakia

In a significant development, the Austrian Armed Forces' Disaster Relief Unit (AFDRU) has successfully completed its mission aimed at combating the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Slovakia. The operation, which began on March 26, involved approximately 53 soldiers who worked tirelessly around the clock to support local authorities in containing the disease and preventing its further spread.

The main task of the AFDRU specialists was to assist in decontaminating large vehicles at the Rajka border crossing between Hungary and Slovakia. Over an eleven-day period, the team managed to decontaminate 6,400 vehicles using a remarkable 25,000 liters of decontamination chemicals and 250,000 liters of water.

As the soldiers return to Austria, they will conduct maintenance on their equipment and prepare for future deployments. This mission underscores the commitment of the Austrian Armed Forces to international disaster response efforts.

The Minister of Defense, Klaudia Tanner, emphasized the importance of collaborative support during these challenging times for agricultural sectors in both Slovakia and Austria. She noted that the swift readiness of the AFDRU to assist in the fight against foot-and-mouth disease exemplifies the strong unity within the European Union.

The AFDRU was activated under the European Union's civil protection mechanism, highlighting its role in international cooperation during emergencies. The soldiers operated in shifts to ensure effective decontamination, processing up to 25 vehicles per hour by treating the undercarriages and wheel areas with specialized chemicals designed to neutralize the virus.

For each vehicle processed, approximately 1,000 liters of water and 100 liters of chemicals were utilized, showcasing the scale of the operation and the significant resources dedicated to combating this public health threat.

The mission was co-financed by the European Union's disaster response funds, reflecting a commitment to collective action in the face of cross-border health crises.

Established as a specialized unit for disaster relief, the AFDRU focuses on technical assistance, decontamination measures, and humanitarian support. With extensive experience in international operations, AFDRU plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities during emergencies.