Carinthian farmer raises the alarm: MKS threatens to spill out of Slovakia!
Carinthian farmer raises the alarm: MKS threatens to spill out of Slovakia!
In the past few days, worrying cases of the highly contagious mouth and claw disease (MKS) have been reported in several neighboring countries in Austria, which has triggered alarm mood among farmers and authorities. The veterinary association calls for immediate measures to contain the plague, while Thomas Koch, a Schafbauer from Moosburg, expresses his concern for the MKS outbreak in Slovakia. He operates agriculture with 700 to 800 sheep and has already introduced prophylactic measures on his farm, such as disinfection mats and reduced number of visitors. He also demands stricter border controls, since the virus can also be transmitted via contaminated objects and the air. 5min.at reports that the authorities are taking measures such as the preliminary closure of the petting zoo in the Schönnbrunn and the closure of smaller border crossings between Austria and Slowake grasp.MKS is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, pigs, sheep and other pairs. The symptoms include bladder formation in the mouth, fever, pain, apathy, loss of appetite and lameness. This disease is a significant threat to agriculture, while it is usually harmless to humans. Individual infections in humans are documented, but mostly affect people with intensive contact with sick animals. animal disease information also explains that the virus also explains from dogs and Cats can be continued without it being sick.
measures against the spread
In the event of an MKS outbreak in Austria, all farm animals would have to be killed within a radius of three kilometers, and a restricted zone within a radius of ten kilometers would be set up. In order to control the Situation, 53 Austrian soldiers have been in use in Slovakia since March 26 to help the MKS contain. The "Austrian Forces Disces Relief Unit" (AFDRU) is a special unit of the Federal Army, which specializes in disaster relief operations.
The high transmission rate of MKS is worrying because the virus also remains contagious in the ground, wasting and frozen meat for a long time. This has led to massive economic losses through trade restrictions and quarantine measures worldwide. BMEL reported on a decisive special meeting of the Bundestag on January 15, 2025 in Germany, while measures for animal disease control were coordinated. The risk of spreading MKS is reinforced by the rapid growth of the virus and the short incubation times.
international development and trade
The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) supported Germany in its efforts to introduce a “containment zone” in order to control the spread of the plague. On January 10, 2025, a case of MKS was confirmed by water buffalos in Brandenburg, which led to extensive restricted zones and a "stand still" for claws. The status "MKS-Free Without Vaccination" was restored on March 12, 2025 for most of Germany, but the "containment zone" remains under observation until April 11, 2025.
The current situation for the MKS illustrates the importance of preventive measures and international cooperation in the fight against animal diseases. Farmers, authorities and research institutions have to work hand in hand to ensure the security of agriculture and prevent additional outbreaks.
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| Ort | Moosburg, Österreich |
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