Maul and claw disease: Austria imposes strict controls and import ban

Maul and claw disease: Austria imposes strict controls and import ban

Neusiedl am See, Österreich - On March 27, 2025, the Austrian authorities decided to combat the mouth and claw disease (MKS). These include three new regulations that are supposed to minimize the risk of introducing the disease to Austria. The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Finance are involved in the regulations, such as the Kleine Zeitung

The mouth and claw disease is a virus-related, feverish general disease, which mainly affects claws, including cattle, sheep, goats and wild rapid. Although the disease is not transferable to humans, it can cause serious economic effects. Symptoms such as blisters and erosions in the mouth and claw areas often lead to long-term performance losses among the animals concerned. In Europe, the MKS was largely repaid in the 1960s to 80s, but continues to occur in various regions of the world, including the Middle East, Asia and Africa, such as the Animal Health Saxony

new blocking zones and controls

The current regulations create a legal framework for the establishment of restricted zones that affect certain farms. These zones contain increased hygiene rules, operational checks and restrictions on the transport of animals. The Burgenland governor Anja Haider-Wallner described the introduction of border controls to Slovakia as "overdue". There have been regular border controls since autumn 2023 to prevent the illegal distribution of animals or products.

A total of four municipalities in the Neusiedl am See district have currently been declared surveillance zones. These are German Jahrndorf, Mönchhof, Nickelsdorf and Halbturn. Veterinary authorities check the companies and paired pairs. In addition, the observation zone includes the districts of Neusiedl, Eisenstadt area, Mattersburg, Oberpullendorf and Eisenstadt.

appeal to the pet owners

The Ministry of Health appeals to all animal owners, veterinarians, hunters and transport companies to adhere to the hygiene standards. There are currently no confirmed cases of mouth and claw disease in Austria. This shows the importance of the current measures for prevention. If symptoms are suspected, the authorities are asked to report immediate reporting.

The controlling measures to combat the mouth and claw disease in Austria could have far-reaching consequences for farms and animal husbandry. However, the authorities are confident that the precautionary measures and the close cooperation between the ministries and the veterinary authorities will contribute to the stability of the domestic agricultural sector.