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Austria has shut down approximately two dozen border crossings with neighboring countries Hungary and Slovakia in an effort to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and keep it from entering the nation.
On Tuesday, Slovakia announced a state of emergency following the detection of the illness at three different farms.
On Wednesday, Hungary experienced its first outbreak of the extremely contagious disease in half a century, prompting the nation to dispatch troops and initiate sterilization efforts aimed at containing it in a region near the borders with Slovakia and Austria.
The illnesses, which pose no threat to humans, primarily affect cattle and other cloven-hoofed creatures such as pigs, sheep, and goats. Afflicted animals typically exhibit signs including fever and oral blisters. Such outbreaks frequently result in trade limitations and the selective slaughter of certain herds.
Austrian health officials are carrying out thorough inspections at the limited number of border crossings into Hungary and Slovakia that remain open. Vehicles must drive over a disinfection mat to stop the spread of the virus. The same procedure is applied to individuals who are walking across the border on foot.
Law enforcement is likewise examining cars at the borders for meat items.
Austrian officials indicate that they are concentrating their law enforcement assets at the borders as long as this crisis continues. Additionally, they mentioned that although border units are maintaining heightened vigilance, they are simultaneously developing backup plans should the illness be identified within one of their agricultural facilities.
