Austria has announced the closure of several border crossings with Hungary and Slovakia due to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
The decision to block entry and exit at the border will begin to be implemented from April 5th and, according to the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, the decree will be in force until May 20th.
This action comes as a preventive measure to limit the spread of the disease, especially in Austrian border districts.
The decision to close several border crossings was taken after close consultations with health authorities, stakeholders and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism and Regions. Security and control at these border crossings will be carried out by the provincial police directorates.
To avoid obstacles during police checks, the Ministry of Interior has asked for the public's understanding, emphasizing that they will not provide details about check schedules, the number of personnel, the form of checks, or other measures at these locations.
Disease control measures, including disinfection, will be ordered by health authorities according to their legal powers.
The disease, which poses no danger to humans, mostly affects cattle and other ungulates such as pigs, sheep and goats, causing fever and blisters in the mouth.
Slovakia declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after the disease was found on three farms. Meanwhile, the first outbreak of the highly contagious disease in Hungary in 50 years prompted the country to deploy soldiers and implement disinfection measures on Wednesday in an area bordering Slovakia and Austria, in a bid to limit its spread. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
