Maul and claw disease: Austria's wildlife on alert!

Maul and claw disease: Austria's wildlife on alert!

Bundesheer in auxiliary use in Slovakia: The mouth and claw disease (MKS) spreads out and forces the authorities into drastic measures. The outbreak was reported in Hungarian Levél, only 14 kilometers from Nickelsdorf, where almost 3000 cattle have to be crumpled. This highly contagious animal disease, which has been considered erotted in Europe since 1991, represents a serious threat to animal husbandry. The crown reports that Kadaver is buried in a mass grave, which carries the risk of a groundwater contamination.

Smaller border crossings were closed in Austria from Wednesday evening. The authorities have already killed thousands of claw animals in Slovakia. Strict protection is that in a confirmed case, all animals must also be crumpled within a radius of three kilometers. With a comprehensive surveillance program, the Ministry of the Interior pursues all potential types of infection.

monitoring and control measures

A large-scale surveillance has started, especially in the districts of Neusiedl am See, Eisenstadt, Eisenstadt-Umgebung, Mattersburg and Oberpullendorf. Weekly tests in communities such as Deutsch Jahrndorf, Nickelsdorf, Halbturn and Mönchhof have so far not confirmed any infections. Nevertheless, the risk remains high, which is why there was a ban on hunting for several municipalities so as not to disturb wild animals and to minimize the virus spread.

The restricted surfaces for companies in the surveillance zones require special organic safety measures. Farmers must take precautions to avoid contact with wild animals and are obliged to report any cases of illness immediately to the veterinary authority. In addition, records have to be conducted over all persons that carry out the company visits.

economic effects and insurance measures

In the case of officially arranged, affected companies receive compensation from the federal government, in accordance with the Animal Health Act. However, indirect economic losses, such as prices and vacancies, do not fall under the sovereign acquisition. Therefore, entrepreneurs should consider private security.

Future view and progress in measures

The surveillance and restricted zones remain until May 17th. Measures to avoid insertion of the virus include organic security strategies, operating controls as well as an import ban for animals and fresh meat products. Noe.lko.at emphasizes that restrictions on living and transporting animals apply inside and outside the zones.

The authorities' attention remains to keep the epidemic situation under control and protect the animal population. With the ongoing tests and comprehensive security measures, those responsible hope to prevent further outbreak and stabilize animal husbandry in Austria.