Maul and claw disease: Hungary closes the border, Austria remains calm!

Maul and claw disease: Hungary closes the border, Austria remains calm!

Pereszteg, Ungarn - In Hungary, another case of mouth and claw disease (MKS) was reported, which has led to immediate measures in the affected region. According to Kleine Zeitung were cried out and safely buried in order to spread the spread of the highly prevent.

The Hungarian authorities have not provided any preliminary information for this case. As a result, the first assessments from Burgenland, Austria, are positive: there is currently no direct risk to the groundwater. The official experts from the Water Management in Burgenland continue to examine the groundwater state. The carcasses were buried in a former sand pit that is located on loamy surface, while the flow direction of the groundwater runs from the northwest to the southeast

restriction measures in Hungary and Burgenland

Due to the MKS outbreak, Hungary has expanded the restriction zone, which means that the export of animals and goods from the affected areas is prohibited. 21 small border crossings were blocked in Burgenland. Special epidemic carpets are designed at larger border crossings such as in Nickelsdorf to minimize potential contagion risks. These measures are constantly evaluated.

The outbreak in Hungary has come at a critical moment, just a few months after the first MKS case in Germany since 1988. The case, which was found in Brandenburg near Wasserbüffeln at the beginning of 2025, also led to extensive precautionary measures, including the establishment of restricted areas and a ban on transport for animals and their products within these zones. Despite the situation, no other infected animals were found, and on April 14, 2025, the status "MKS-FREE WITHAUH" for all of Germany was restored by the WOAH, which was made possible by comprehensive health dossiers ().

While the MKS is not dangerous for humans, the disease represents a significant threat to animal health and can affect international trade. The federal states in Germany are responsible for combating this animal disease, supported by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (Fli), whereby the provision of vaccine cans plays a decisive role in preventing further spread.