Border closures in Burgenland: mouth and claw disease spreads out!

Border closures in Burgenland: mouth and claw disease spreads out!

From Saturday, April 3, 2025, a total of 23 border crossings from Austria will be closed to Slovakia. This measure affects 21 transitions in Burgenland and two in Lower Austria. The reason for this drastic decision is the outbreak of mouth and claw disease in Slovakia, as Krone . The closure of the borders was determined in close coordination with the local authorities and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The state police departments are entrusted with the securing and control of the border crossings. Due to the closed transitions, the personnel requirements are reduced compared to open control stations. However, details on further measures at the limits are not announced. Since the end of last week, the police have been supporting the health authorities on the Slovak and Hungarian border. This includes maintaining vehicles and document controls.

Details on the epidemic situation

53 soldiers of the "Austrian Forces Disces Relief Unit" (Afdru) are currently in the use of epidemics in Slovakia. You work with modern equipment and in full protective equipment to prevent the virus from spreading. The Army is particularly involved in the decontamination of vehicles at the Slovakian-Hungarian border crossing Rajka.

The mouth and claw disease itself is highly contagious for animals, but remains harmless to humans. However, there is a risk that people can transfer the virus to animals if they are liable to their clothes. Symptoms in infected animals include blistering in the mouth and on the claws, fever and pain.

monitoring measures in Burgenland

In Burgenland, a comprehensive surveillance program was started, which will control all 660 companies in the North and Middle Burgenian region in the coming weeks. Anja Haider-Wallner, deputy governor, made this known on Thursday. Particularly intensive controls are carried out in twelve companies in the municipalities of German Jahrndorf, Nickelsdorf, Halbturn and Mönchhof. These companies are examined for clinical symptoms weekly. The program is initially scheduled until May 17, 2025.

The affected communities in the Neusiedl on the lake district also form a surveillance zone in which a ban on hunting applies to not to check wild animals and prevent possible virus spread. So far, all tests in this zone have been negative. In around 150 companies, rehearsals are also removed every month, which underlines the importance of the early detection of the mouth and claw disease.

economic effects and insurance

The economic consequences of the outbreak are considerable. Animal insurance offers compensation that vary depending on the provider and completed product. These insurance companies cover losses that are not compensated for by official bodies, for example when marketing options are restricted in protection and surveillance zones, such as LKO explained.

It is advisable to complete animal insurance in regions outside of official restricted zones. From April 3, 2025, an acceptance stop for animal insurance across Austria will be effective. Responsible authorities announced that compensation for animals that are killed or died on the basis of official arrangement are paid from federal funds. Direct costs in the event of an epidemic, such as the killing and disposal of animals as well as laboratory tests, are also covered.

In view of the high animal values and potential economic losses due to the outbreak, private protection is recommended for many companies. Entrepreneurs: Inside, it must be prepared to take measures to achieve freedoms and apply for exceptional agreements.