WARNING ISSUED OVER EUROPEAN FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

Several European countries have issued travel warnings relating to Slovakia’s recent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.

The country has reintroduced temporary border checks with neighbouring countries Austria and Hungary. The checks will come into effect on Tuesday 8 April until 8 May.

Slovakia’s Interior Minister Matus Sutai Estok said the country’s police and emergency services are already stretched, but that the border checks are necessary as the situation remains serious.

“Although the presence of foot-and-mouth disease has not been confirmed in Austria, the measure is necessary due to the proximity of outbreak areas.”

The outbreak is currently in the Streda and Malacky districts which is close to the Austrian border.

Estok added that there is the possibility that the outbreak could spread to additional districts.

Meanwhile, Austria has closed 24 of its border crossings with both Hungary ad Slovakia. The aim is to prevent the spread of FMD and prevent it from entering the country.

According to EuroNews, Austrian authorities say they’re focusing their police resources on the border while this emergency persists. They added that while border forces are on high alert, they also prepare contingencies if the disease is detected on one of Austria’s farms.

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