Maul and claw disease: regions under strict controls!

Maul and claw disease: regions under strict controls!

In Austria, far-reaching measures are taken to contain animal disease due to a breakout of the mouth and claw disease in Slovakia and Hungary. The Austrian government temporarily closed 23 border crossings, including two in Lower Austria. This decision was made in close coordination with authorities in Lower Austria, Burgenland, the Chamber of Agriculture and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The state police departments are responsible for ensuring security and control at the border crossings, whereby fewer personnel are required at the closed transitions than with regular controls to open transitions. So far, no further details on the exact measures have been announced at the borders.

Since the end of last week, the police have supported the health authorities in particular on the Slovak and Hungarian border. The measures include stopping vehicles, checking documents and comprehensive vehicle controls. In Burgenland, an interlocking surveillance program was also initiated, which will extend over the coming weeks. All 660 companies in the North and Middle Burgenland are checked during this period.

monitoring zones and controls

The surveillance program stipulates that weekly companies in German are carried out in German in German Jahrndorf, Nickelsdorf, Halbturn and Mönchhof. This program will be maintained by May 17th. A surveillance zone was set up in the Neusiedl am See district, which includes four municipalities and was set up due to its proximity to the Hungarian Levél infection. In this zone there is a ban on hunting so as not to go to wild animals. So far, all tests in the surveillance zone have been negative, but the animals in the 660 operated are still being examined for clinical symptoms and comprehensive organic safety measures are checked.

In around 150 of the companies, monthly sampling is also carried out. The President of the FPÖ farmers, Thomas Karacony, has spoken out against the border barriers and instead demands epidemic carpets and rigorous border controls for living animal transport.

additional measures and regulations

The Austrian government has issued comprehensive measures to reduce risk, including an import ban on living animals of susceptible species such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats as well as for fresh meat, raw milk, manure, manure, hunting trophies and wild meat from the affected countries. The police and customs are used for targeted controls in the area close to the border to monitor compliance with these bans. The so-called mouth and claw disease control regulations determine clear framework conditions for the corresponding restricted zones that affect agricultural businesses, and includes increased hygiene rules and restrictions on animal transports.

Although the mouth and claw disease is considered highly contagious and can have devastating consequences, especially in the case of pairs, the health authorities have emphasized that there are no confirmed cases in Austria so far. People can infect themselves, but generally do not fall ill. Ministries of Health appeal to pet owners, veterinarians, hunters and transport companies to comply with the necessary hygiene standards and to keep an eye on the control of the situation.

Vol.at reports in detail about the current developments, while The press offers additional information on the legal framework and the existing surveillance zones.