Austria's farmers on alert: new measures against MKS!

Austria's farmers on alert: new measures against MKS!

Österreich, Land - In Austria, no cases of mouth and claw disease (MKS) have occurred; All samples tested so far were negative. This is reported by the Federal Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMASGPK) on April 4, 2025. Despite this positive message, the situation is tense because current outbreaks lead to worrying developments in Hungary and Slovakia.

In order to prevent the introduction of the virus and to be able to react quickly in an emergency, the BMASGPK has decided on new protective measures in the form of an extended regulation. This includes import restrictions as well as comprehensive organic security measures that apply to both animal husbandry and transport companies.
The aim of these measures is to secure animal health and agriculture in Austria.

new regulation and measures

The new regulations include a comprehensive ban on import for fresh meat, raw milk, manure, manure as well as hunting trophies and vegetable feed from the affected countries. Animal husbandry companies are obliged to implement increased bios safety measures, including cleaning and disinfection of vehicles. These measures should ensure that no health -hazardous pathogens get into existing stocks, which is the basis for public health. The AGES (agency for health and nutritional security) carries out weekly comprehensive sample examinations in the surveillance zone to precisely monitor the epidemiological situation.

The regulation, which applies until May 20, 2025, also obliges animal husbandry companies to conduct visiting protocols for non -company persons. In the extended blocking zone, animals may only be moved with a negative test result and official approval. So far, 104 companies have been checked in this zone, all samples were negative.

Additional measures for border protection

measures to ensure border security were also taken. The Federal Ministry of the Interior carries out mobile vehicle controls and document tests in the area close to the border. From April 5, 2025, 32 smaller border crossings will also be closed to prevent possible insertion of the plague. Among other things, the border crossings Angern-March/Zahorska Ves and Hof/Devinska Nová Ves are closed.

The official measures are coordinated in close coordination with relevant ministries and state authorities. The authorities appeal to the animal owners to take personal responsibility to ensure animal health. Support for the companies also comes in the form of recommendations for organic safety measures, which, among other things, provide for the fencing of operating areas and the use of hygiene locks. These measures are intended to take protection against outside and minimize the introduction of pathogens in stocks.

The BMASGPK emphasizes the importance of regular communication with animal owners and the public as well as the need for cooperation of everyone involved in order to protect the health of animals and agriculture.

Overall, it turns out that the Austrian authorities act determined to keep the mouth and claw disease at the border and to further strengthen existing measures. The focus on bioses protection and prevention is clearly noticeable.

For detailed information about recommended organic security practices, visitors can use the guide to OTS .