Austria breathes on: MKS measures loosened, the last locks are lifted!

Austria breathes on: MKS measures loosened, the last locks are lifted!

Vienna, Österreich - On May 21, 2025, far-reaching loosening of the protective measures against the mouth and claw disease (MKS) came into force in Austria. The last epidemic was dismantled at the Klingenbach border crossing after comprehensive measures were carried out in the previous 49 days to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus disease. According to Vienna.at During this period, 681 vehicles and 700 people were rejected.

A total of over 300 executive employees were in the border use to ensure control. In ten questionable cases, the responsible district administrative authority informed about possible MKS risks. Ultimately, the last restricted zones in Lower Austria and Burgenland were canceled and smaller border crossings to Hungary and Slovakia were reopened.

extensive controls and measures

like the Puls24 is reported by MKS a highly-supporting virus disease that Cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and other couplers can affect. The virus can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals and their products as well as even via the air. Despite the serious situation, the current course in Austria shows that there is no evidence of a introduction after over 11,000 animals in Burgenland were examined on the last day of strict measures and were carried out in more than 650 companies clinical controls without finding symptoms of MKS infection.

The deputy governor Anja Haider-Wallner appealed to the population to continue to be vigilant. In particular, the import of meat or raw milk from Turkey should be avoided, since MKS also occurred there. In these critical times, around 40,000 liters of concentrated ants were used to combat the disease.

international effects and situation in Germany

The situation remains tense, since outbreaks of the MKS are currently reported in the neighboring countries of Hungary and Slovakia. The first outbreak has been found in Hungary in March 2025 since 1973. This has led to an alarm willingness in Austria, as the Federal Minister for Nutrition and Agriculture . Surveillance zones and import bans for animals and products from the affected countries were set up for risk minimization.

On January 10, 2025, there was also an MKS outbreak at Wasserbüffeln in Brandenburg, Germany, the first since 1988. However, further spread could be prevented by increasing measures such as the establishment of restricted zones and a “stand still” for claws in affected areas. On April 14, 2025, Germany received the status "MKS-Free without vaccination" from the World Organization for Animal Health.

Although the return to normal in Austria, it remains important to observe the situation closely and take appropriate precautions to protect the health of animals and people.