Strict measures against mouth and claw disease in Lower Austria decided!

Strict measures against mouth and claw disease in Lower Austria decided!

Hohenau, Österreich - In Austria, strict measures are currently being taken against the introduction of the mouth and claw disease (MKS). The information from ots has the federal government Already arranged border closures and import bans for farm animals as well as for meat and dairy products. Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner emphasizes the high priority of the protection of farm farms and the need to prevent the plague.

In order to prevent spreading, epidemic carpets are designed at the border crossings in Hohenau and Berg, which are supervised by the Lower Austria road service. The staff, which is made up of experts from the veterinary directorate, disaster protection, blue light organizations and agriculture, meets in permanent to coordinate current developments and measures.

Current situation in Germany

In neighboring Germany, a case of mouth and claw disease at Wasserbüffeln in the Märkisch-Oderland district, Brandenburg, was confirmed on January 10, 2025. According to BMEL No further cases have so far been found, despite extensive samples and examinations. MKS is a highly contagious viral infection that can affect claw animals as well as zoo and wild animals, but is harmless to humans. The disease had not occurred in Germany since 1988.

In order to prevent the distribution, locking zones have been set up in which the transport of animals and their products are prohibited. A “stood still” for claws was arranged in Brandenburg and Berlin, which ended on January 17, 2025 in Brandenburg and on January 27, 2025 in Berlin. Animal husbandry within these zones will continue to be examined.

economic effects and international dimension

The economic consequences of the MKS can be serious. The virus is easily transmitted by vectors and can spread over large distances. The animals that are recovered by MKS can also remain carriers of the virus. The first outbreak has been detected in early March 2025 since 1973 in a cattle business in the northwest of Hungary. So far there is no evidence of a connection between the outbreak in Brandenburg and that in Hungary

The EU Commission determined the further procedure with regard to animal-healthy restricted zones on February 11, 2025. The status "MKS-Free without Vaccination" was restored on March 12, 2025 for the majority of Germany, but does not apply to the currently applicable "containment zone", where control measures will continue by April 11, 2025.

Under today's hygienic conditions, there is no danger for consumers who consume pasteurized milk. Nevertheless, the protection of the agricultural sector and the fight against MKS remains a top priority for the authorities concerned.