Austria closes 24 border crossings: mouth and claw disease on the move!

Austria closes 24 border crossings: mouth and claw disease on the move!

Bregenz, Österreich - Austria has initiated comprehensive measures against the mouth and claw disease (MKS) after several outbursts have been reported in Hungary and Slovakia. Therefore, 24 border crossings are temporarily closed on Saturday to prevent the virus from being spread. The governments of the affected countries rely on preventive measures to protect the health of the hoof animals. The Situation is alarming because MKS is a highly contagious viral infection that can affect cattle, sheep, goats and pigs as well as zoo and wild animals, but is harmless to humans.

In Lower Austria and Salzburg, important events such as cattle shows have already been canceled. The Maishofen Bundespinzgauerchau and the breeding cattle auction in Bergland, Melk district, are also canceled. In addition, the petting zoo in the Herberstein zoo is closed as a precaution after other petting zoos, such as the one in the Hof Castle, were also partially closed. In the Hof Castle, epidemic carpets and hand -disinfection donors were installed to minimize the risk of transmission.

preventive measures and surveillance

In order to react to the increasing danger, many zoo and zoos have taken precautions in Austria. A thorough disinfection of work equipment is carried out in the Alpenwildpark Pfänder in Bregenz, and the Veterinary University of Vienna has designed epidemic carpets on the campus. Claw animals from the affected regions are currently not being absorbed to prevent the virus from being introduced. In the meantime, the Feldkirch wildlife park remains in contact with the health authorities and is ready to implement specifications.

The measures also extend to other animal -keeping facilities. In the Zoo Weißer Zoo in Kernhof you offer disinfectant, and the petting zoo is set to reduced interaction with the animals. Despite extensive tests, no positive rehearsals were found in Castle Hof, which initially has a calming effect.

Current situation in Germany

Measures were also taken in Germany in connection with MKS. The first case after 1988 was found on January 10, 2025 at water buffalos in Brandenburg. The state determined restricted zones to prevent the spread of the virus. Here, a “stand still” for claws is preserved in order to prevent the transport and contact between affected stocks. The situation continues to be closely monitored and a task force to combat animal disease is active.

The outbreaks in Hungary and Slovakia show that there is still a risk of infection, and the situation requires quick action from the authorities. Germany and Austria keep close communication to check possible relationships between the outbreaks. Reports on the current situation can be on the pages of Vol.at href = "https://kurier.at/chronik/oesterreich/maul-und-klauenseuche-24-grenzuebergaenge- events-streichzoos/403029293"> Kurier and bmel.de