Czech Republic Reinstates Border Controls with Slovakia Due to FMD Outbreak
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Synopsis
The Czech Republic has reintroduced border controls with Slovakia due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) affecting cattle on three Slovak farms, as confirmed by Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny.
Key Takeaways
- Czech Republic reinstates border checks with Slovakia.
- FMD outbreak reported in cattle on three farms in Slovakia.
- Livestock imports from affected regions banned.
- Farmers urged to follow strict biosecurity protocols.
- Symptoms of FMD include fever and blisters.
Prague, March 22 (NationPress) The Czech Republic has reinstated border controls with its neighboring Slovakia as a precautionary measure following an outbreak of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) detected in cattle on three farms in Slovakia.
As stated by the Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny, these extraordinary border controls at Slovak crossings were established in cooperation with the Czech Police and Interior Minister Vit Rakusan. Authorities, including police and veterinary inspectors, are currently enforcing a prohibition on livestock imports from the affected regions across four primary border crossings with Slovakia.
Vyborny has reached out to leaders of significant agricultural unions and associations, urging their members to comply with emergency measures and adhere to strict biosecurity protocols, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
“I once again appeal to all farmers not to underestimate the necessary protective measures for their livestock, including hygiene, disinfection, and a strict ban on unauthorized entry into their facilities,” the minister expressed on the social media platform X.
Earlier this month, the Czech Republic had issued a ban on the transport of susceptible animals from Hungary and Slovakia due to FMD outbreaks, which was only lifted recently.
FMD primarily impacts cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, and blisters on the mouth and feet.
The State Veterinary Administration of the Czech Republic has indicated that in addition to human activity, wild animals, including wild boars, can also serve as vectors for the disease. The virus is mainly transmitted through inhalation and direct contact between animals.
