Maul and claw disease: Austria loosens measures and opens boundaries!

Maul and claw disease: Austria loosens measures and opens boundaries!

On May 20, 2025, an important session on the current epidemic situation took place in the Federal Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Nursing and Consumer Protection (BMASGPK). Representatives took part in this meeting: inside of various institutions, including ministries, federal states, state veterinary authorities and experts from Ages and Vetmeduni Vienna. The aim of the meeting was to evaluate the protective measures against the mouth and claw disease (MKS) and to take appropriate decisions. In this context, a gradual loosening of the comprehensive protective measures that have been necessary since the outbreak of the MKS was required.

One of the central decisions was the cancellation of strict surveillance zones in Austria that have already been made. In addition, other restricted zones in the federal states of Burgenland and Lower Austria also end today. This means a reopening of the border crossings to Hungary and Slovakia, which have been closed since April. The dismantling of the disease carpets on the affected border crossings is also carried out. The epidemiological situation was classified as stable, since despite the outbursts in neighboring countries, the MKS has not yet been brought to Austria. According to those responsible, the measures taken have shown their effect and the spread of the pathogen could be stopped.

collaboration and further procedure

State Secretary of Health Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig emphasized the importance of interinstitutional cooperation in this critical phase. Agriculture Minister Norbert Tettschnig also paid tribute to the commitment of farmers in the fight against the spread of the disease. For the period from May 21st, targeted hygiene measures and risk estimates continue to apply in order to secure animal husbandry. The minimum requirements for organic security in animal husbandry companies remain, and hygiene concepts are mandatory for animal markets and animal shows.

The Ordinance on the MKS has also introduced stricter requirements for general organic security for companies with recommended animals. This means that the distribution of such animals can only be carried out as "yellow" zones in areas outside of area with an exceptional permit. In this context, the authorities have the responsibility of implementing the organic security measures independently, which all companies are obliged to

crisis management and outlook

The balance of the previous measures shows that the state crisis mechanism has reached; Almost 20,000 samples from receptive animals were examined on MKS and all tests were negative. The course of measures since the first positive case in the border area with Austria on March 26th illustrates the urgency of the steps, which were extensively taken from March 25th to April 4th. However, there is a challenge to activate the measures for future outbursts, such as the Blozungen disease.

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), which is responsible for the health and well-being of agricultural farm animals, plays a key role in the research and development of prevention measures against animal diseases. The institutes rely on quick diagnostics and modern control strategies to ensure the protection of humans, animals and the environment. Security measures and compliance with the Biorisk Policy are the top principles for effective biospecherity management.

ots.at reports that ...
LKO.at provides information about ...
fli.de explains the focus of organic security ...