Border closures in Austria: epidemic alarm endangered agriculture!

Border closures in Austria: epidemic alarm endangered agriculture!

As a result of a breakout of the mouth and claw disease (MKS) in Slovakia and Hungary, several border crossings were closed in Austria. From midnight from April 5, 2025, a total of 24 small transitions in Burgenland and Lower Austria can no longer be passed, such as Exxpress.at reports .

The traffic situation remained calm on Saturday morning and no traffic jams were expected. The police have intensified their support at the open border crossings since the end of the previous week. This includes the maintenance and control of vehicles as well as the review of documents in order to minimize the introduction of the plague. Design carpets were also designed at larger transitions such as Kittsee and Nickelsdorf.

measures to combat displacement

The Burgenland governor Anja Haider-Wallner visited the Klingenbach border crossing, where a epidemic was deployed. An additional lane has already been prepared for Monday. Haider-Wallner emphasizes that the border controls can reduce the risk, but do not prevent complete introduction.

In order to further contain the spread of the disease, the citizens were asked to avoid not necessary trips to the affected regions. Visits to stables should also be avoided so as not to scare wild animals.

insurance benefits and compensation

The effects of the mouth and claw disease extend beyond the border closures. Animal insurance offer compensation benefits in the event of an outbreak of epidemics, such as lko.at explains . These compensation vary depending on the provider and product. In particular, Austrian hail insurance and R+V Allgemeine insurance are important.

It is recommended to complete animal insurance in regions outside of the official restricted zones. Despite possible waiting times, you should secure yourself in order to minimize financial losses. It should be pointed out that a new entry into the earnings insurance company for cattle, pigs, sheep and goats was possible until April 2, 2025.

The compensation for animals that are killed on the basis of official arrangement takes place by the federal government in accordance with the Animal Health Act. However, these compensation is no longer necessary for companies that have contributed to disease spread through illegal behavior.