Urgent appeal: mouth and claw disease threatens our agriculture!

Urgent appeal: mouth and claw disease threatens our agriculture!

The mouth and claw disease (MKS) currently represents a serious threat to agriculture in Austria. The Chamber of Agriculture (LKÖ) urgently warns against the expansion of the plague. Regions in Slovakia and Hungary, for which the LKÖ calls the population, are particularly affected to avoid necessary trips there to prevent further spread of the virus. Entering foreign stables and contact with claw -bearing animals, such as cattle, should also be avoided.

The LKÖ points out that dogs must be kept on a leash in risk areas, since the virus can be transmitted via the dog fur. It is also recommended not to bring meat and dairy products from the affected countries across the border. MKS can cause considerable economic damage and endangers many farmers' families. LKÖ President Josef Moosbrugger emphasizes how important these measures are to comply with.

regional infections and measures

In Slovakia, four outbreaks of the mouth and claw disease have already been confirmed, especially in regions near the Hungarian border. The affected companies have stocks of 1,311, 790, 670 and 279 animals, including milk cattle, calves and heels. Hungary reports a new outbreak on a dairy farm with over 3,000 cows. This happened about 40 kilometers from the first outbreak. The competent authorities in Austria have initiated measures to publish such information.

In order to contain the plague, emergency vaccination vaccinations were planned, and the transports of animals are only allowed for slaughter for the time being. In limited zones, hunting bans sometimes apply, and a 50 -kilometer surveillance zone in border regions was set up in Hungary. The customs and agricultural associations call for increased vigilance and strict compliance with the organic safety measures.

economic measures and compensation

The animal insuring companies have started to offer compensation benefits for the losses in the event of an MKS outbreak. These compensation vary depending on the provider and product. In particular, the Austrian hail insurance and R+V Allgemeine Insurance cover losses that are not taken over by the authorities, such as limited marketing options in protection and monitoring zones. According to the latest status, farmers can complete animal insurance in regions outside of official restricted zones by April 2, 2025.

From April 3, 2025, the acceptance stop will be extended to all of Austria. Should there be an officially arranged cussulation of the animal population, the compensation is provided by the federal government in accordance with the animal health law. These not only include the killed animals, but also damage to feed and other animal products. However, indirect economic losses are often not covered, which is why private protection is recommended.

The current requests for all companies cannot be emphasized enough. Entrepreneurs: Inside, even for the necessary measures for obtaining freedom, freedoms have to be recognized. Compliance with the highest organic security standards remains essential, and all professional groups with contact with farm animals are asked to report symptoms immediately.