Border crossings due to mouth and claw disease: Long waiting times threaten!

Border crossings due to mouth and claw disease: Long waiting times threaten!

The mouth and claw disease have led to a significant outbreak in Slovakia and now forces extensive measures in the border area. Since April 5, 2025, a total of 24 border crossings to Slovakia and Hungary have been temporarily closed in Austria to control the spread of animal disease. This decision was made in coordination between the authorities in Burgenland, Lower Austria, Interest representatives and the Ministry of Agriculture. The regulation on the closures will be overridden on May 20, 2025, unless the situation is intensified.

At the border crossings, such as Nickelsdorf, Kittsee and several others, comprehensive checks are set up. Drivers have to expect longer waiting times, especially on the main traffic. The police support the health authorities at the border and conduct controls of vehicles and reviews of documents. This is necessary to ensure that border traffic does not contribute to the further spread of the plague.

Details on closed and open transitions

The following transitions are currently closed:

• to Slovakia:
• Angern-March / Zahorska Ves
• Hof / Devinska Nová Ves
• pedestrian and cycling bridge Marchegg

• to Hungary:
• Andau - Jánossomorja
• German Jahrndorf - Rajka
• Deutschkreutz - Harka
• Nickelsdorf - Rajka
• Wallern - Kapuvár

Open transitions are equipped with epidemic carpets to intercept potential pathogens. These include Nickelsdorf (East Autobahn A4), Kittsee (Northeast Autobahn A6) as well as various other transitions in Burgenland and Lower Austria. Nevertheless, travelers must also expect delays here.

monitoring measures and test programs

In Burgenland, an intensive surveillance program is carried out, which takes into account all 660 companies in North and Middle Burgenland. The measures should be checked from May 17th. All tests carried out by the surveillance programs are currently negative, which is positive for the pet owners. Nevertheless, the risk of further spread remains, which is why extensive controls and regular tests are continued.

According to the provisions of German animal health law, the mouth and claw disease is a notification-related animal disease. States are obliged to take measures if such a plague is of economic importance. Early reports of cases or suspected cases are crucial for combating to minimize possible health risks for animals and humans. Over 1,300 companies with animals are registered in Burgenland, including many cattle and pig farms that could be particularly affected.

The situation remains tense, especially against the background that a similar outbreak was already recorded in Germany in January 2025. In order to maximize the reduction of the disease risk, the authorities work together to ensure animal health and thus the economic conditions in the region.

For more information on the guidelines and law developments in conjunction with animal diseases, please read the information on the website of BMEL .

Media reports by OEAMTC and ORF Development of the situation and the measures taken.