Europe is trying to stop the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease - a number of measures are being taken

Published Apr 16, 2025

Tridge summary

A outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle has led to strict quarantine measures, mass border closures, and the culling of thousands of cattle in Central Europe, with the initial outbreak detected in Hungary and spreading to neighboring Slovakia. In response, countries have implemented measures such as mass culling, burning and burial of infected animals, vaccinations, and border closures to control the spread. The disease, which affects various animals including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and deer, spreads through direct contact between animals or surfaces like clothing, leather, and vehicles.

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Original content

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle in Central Europe has prompted strict quarantine measures, mass border closures and the culling of thousands of cattle, the AP reports. The outbreak was first detected in Hungary on a cattle farm in the northwest in early March, and later on three farms in neighboring Slovakia. So far, six farms in each country have been infected. As a result, Slovakia has closed 16 border crossings with Hungary and one with Austria, while Austria has closed 23 crossings with both countries. The Czech Republic has introduced disinfection measures at all border crossings where freight traffic enters. Foot-and-mouth disease mainly affects cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and deer, and causes fever and blisters in the mouth and hooves. The virus is spread through contact between animals, on surfaces such as clothing, leather and vehicles. The only method of destroying the virus is to burn infected animals. Therefore, according to ...

Source: Agropolit