Central Europe Advocates for EU Strategy Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Central European nations are pushing for EU-wide coordination to address foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) spread, with support from the Visegrad Group and neighboring countries, as new outbreaks emerge in Slovakia and Hungary.
Key Takeaways
- EU Coordination: Central European countries seek unified action.
- Military Support: Czech government deploys veterinarians.
- Current Outbreaks: FMD cases reported in Slovakia and Hungary.
- Preventive Measures: Import restrictions on livestock and feed.
- Historical Context: Last case in Czech Republic was in 1975.
Prague, April 3 (NationPress) Central European nations are advocating for a coordinated effort across the European Union (EU) to curb the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), stated Czech Minister of Agriculture Marek Vyborny.
The minister informed reporters on Wednesday that the goal is to submit a cohesive proposal to the European Commission along with partners from the Visegrad Group (V4) -- Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary -- as well as neighboring Austria and Germany.
"The prevailing circumstances necessitate a unified response at the EU level to avert further dissemination of the disease and safeguard livestock in various member states," he remarked.
Furthermore, on Wednesday, the Czech government authorized the mobilization of military veterinarians to bolster border controls amid the ongoing situation related to FMD.
Up to 20 military veterinarians are anticipated to assist the State Veterinary Administration and aid in cargo transport inspections beginning Thursday or Friday, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The minister noted that exceptional veterinary measures are currently in effect, and an emergency status would be declared only if an outbreak is confirmed on a Czech farm.
Recent reports indicate that new cases of FMD have been identified on farms in Slovakia and Hungary. One outbreak in Slovakia earlier this week is located approximately 50 km from the Czech Republic border.
In the Czech Republic, restrictions on the import of livestock and animal products have been enforced, with bans also applying to feed, including hay and straw, from Slovakia and Hungary.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily impacts cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, and the formation of blisters on the mouth and feet.
Last detected in the Czech Republic in 1975, the disease poses a significant threat to livestock health.
