No Cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reported in Austria

As of Sunday afternoon, Austria has not reported any cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). Nina Sorger from the Burgenland crisis management team confirmed this to the Austrian Press Agency (APA). The comprehensive border controls and measures to combat the disease have been met with understanding from travelers. Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig visited the Berg bei Hainburg border crossing to assess the situation firsthand.

On Sunday, there were no significant traffic jams reported at the Autobahn border stations in Nickelsdorf and Kittsee, according to police reports. The situation in Lower Austria also remained calm. However, authorities anticipate a real test during Monday's rush hour as commuter traffic increases. In Nickelsdorf, five disease detection mats have been deployed, with similar measures in place at Kittsee. In Klingenbach, two traffic lanes have been prepared, while disease detection mats are also laid out at the Hohenau an der March and Berg border crossings in Lower Austria.

Minister Totschnig highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the disease is directly adjacent to Austria's borders. He emphasized the primary goal of preventing any entry of the disease into the country. Farmers are understandably concerned about the safety of their livestock and livelihoods. To this end, extensive efforts are being made to prevent the spread of the disease.

Michael Takacs, Director of the Federal Police, who accompanied Totschnig, reiterated that all necessary precautions have been implemented. He called on the public to adhere strictly to regulations, advising against contact with animals and the importation of animal products from affected regions. Every individual can contribute to the efforts to mitigate the risk of disease spread, he stated, stressing the seriousness of the situation.

So far, inspections of vehicles at the borders have not revealed any illegal goods. Current regulations from the Ministry of Health prohibit the importation of raw meat or hunting trophies into Austria. Police have reported no significant complaints from drivers regarding the enforcement measures.

In support of the border controls and disease management, 40 soldiers from the Austrian Armed Forces have been deployed to assist at the Nickelsdorf and Kittsee border stations, as stated by a spokesperson for the military.