Outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Strict Measures in Lower Austria

The recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in specific regions has prompted significant action from the Austrian government, particularly in Lower Austria. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Agriculture indicated that a blanket import ban is no longer permissible under European law, which has led to a targeted approach focusing on affected areas while maintaining a high level of protection and ongoing monitoring.

In Lower Austria, the military is actively involved in managing biosecurity measures at border crossings, specifically in Hohenau and Berg. Currently, 28 soldiers are stationed to oversee the disinfection mats at these locations. All tests conducted thus far in Lower Austria and Burgenland have returned negative results, providing some reassurance regarding the spread of the disease.

The soldiers are set to take over these biosecurity responsibilities from the road service by Monday afternoon. This assistance was requested by local health authorities in response to the ongoing crisis. Officials from the office of Regional Councillor Susanne Rosenkranz have reiterated that no positive test results for FMD have emerged in Lower Austria, and border control operations are proceeding smoothly.

Monitoring efforts continue in Burgenland, with no confirmed cases reported. The local authorities are ensuring that all disinfection mats at border crossings are adequately maintained, except for those at the Kittsee and Nickelsdorf motorway crossings, where the soldiers will utilize materials provided by the local construction authority.

However, criticism has arisen regarding the new regulation issued by the Ministry of Health, which came into effect recently. This regulation limits the import ban to animals and animal products originating directly from the affected areas in Hungary and Slovakia. Anja Haider-Wallner, the Deputy Governor, has urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel to these regions, cautioning that animals, meat, and dairy products are potential carriers of the highly contagious disease and should not cross the border.

The Ministry of Agriculture has assured the public that crisis management protocols are firmly in place. Minister Norbert Totschnig emphasized that there is no easing of restrictions and that strict controls will continue to be enforced. The current import bans remain active and are now specifically focused on the affected regions in Hungary and Slovakia, with the primary aim of preventing the introduction of the virus and ensuring a swift response in case of an outbreak.

On Sunday, officials from the Ministry of Health affirmed that the new regulation does not signify any relaxation of measures. Despite this, Johannes Schmuckenschlager, a member of the National Council and president of the Lower Austria Chamber of Agriculture, characterized the regulation as misguided. Calls for the postponement of the regulation have been echoed by Nikolaus Berlakovich, president of the Burgenland Chamber of Agriculture and former Minister of Agriculture, along with Haider-Wallner, who advocate delaying any changes until after the Easter travel period.