Bundesheer ends aid against mouth and claw disease in Slovakia!

Bundesheer ends aid against mouth and claw disease in Slovakia!

Rajka, Ungarn - The spread of the mouth and claw disease (MKS) in Slovakia is initially contained. The Federal Army has recently successfully completed its deployment aid in the region. The specialists supported the local emergency services in a crucial fight against the highly contagious viral disease, which particularly affects claw animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner paid tribute to the emergency services for their tireless efforts and the cohesion shown within the European Union. The measures were taken as part of the EU disaster protection procedure and co-financed by the European disaster protection mechanism, such as Kleinezeitung.at reported.

The preventive use included the decontamination of 6,400 large vehicles at the Rajka border crossing between Hungary and Slovakia. In just eleven days, 25,000 liters of chemical substances and 250,000 liters of water were used. The Afdru team (Austrian Forces Disces Relief Unit), a special unit of the Federal Army, played a central role in these decontamination measures and slowing the epidemic. Thanks to the measures taken in good time, an even greater outbreak of the virus could be prevented.

mouth and claw disease: a serious problem for animal husbandry

The mouth and claw disease is a notification-related animal disease, which can be extremely painful for the affected animals. The symptoms are expressed, among other things, in high fever and painful bubble formation in the mouth and claw area. Since the first outbreak in Germany in a water buffalo farming in the Märkisch-Oderland district on January 10, 2025, Germany has lost its MKS freedom status according to the requirements of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). This development underlines the importance of the prevention measures, as carried out in Slovakia, according to the information from bfr.bund.de .

Although the MKS virus is not dangerous for humans, there is a risk of transmission between animals, both directly and indirectly via vehicles, devices and clothing. Despite the rarity of human infections, there were only about 40 documented cases worldwide between 1921 and 2007. Nevertheless, the MKS remains a serious threat to animal husbandry and the associated economic interests. Consumers should consider the basic rules of kitchen hygiene, especially when using milk products and meat that could possibly be contaminated with the virus.