Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Scientist Advocates for Continuation of Strict Measures

"It was dramatic, the disease was everywhere in a very short time. In a few weeks, there were 40 to 50 newly infected farms daily," said Christine Leeb, who witnessed the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK in 2001.

Foot-and-mouth disease: Warning of devastating consequences in case of spread

Not only was the culling of more than six million animals a tragedy, but the owners sometimes had to watch the burning of their animals on their own farms. Sheep also had to be killed for animal welfare reasons because all pastures were grazed and the pregnant animals were only standing in the mud. "I don't want to experience something like that again," said Leeb. She further explained: "We are in the middle of Europe and many animals are transported, for slaughter or trade." The consequences if the virus spreads are unimaginable. It is highly contagious. In the UK, farms along highways where transporters with infected animals just passed by were also affected, she warned.

Scientist advocates for continuation of strict measures against foot-and-mouth disease

She therefore welcomed the consistent measures with import bans in Austria: "One should be very strict at the beginning and rather be stricter for one or two months than experience something like that again. I understand that it is about weighing trade interests, but the human and animal suffering is unimaginable." Austria is on a good path: "It is tragic if this is undone," she looks especially at the upcoming Easter holidays, when meat consumption and thus the transport of animals increases. The professor hopes that in a few weeks it will already be clear whether the outbreak of FMD in neighboring countries has come to a standstill again: "Every day without a new infection in Hungary and Slovakia gives hope."

Foot-and-mouth disease: Haider-Wallner and Schmuckenschlager against new regulation

Criticism of the new regulation had already been voiced in recent days by the Deputy Governor of Burgenland, Anja Haider-Wallner (Green Party), and the ÖVP National Council member Johannes Schmuckenschlager. Haider-Wallner once again appealed to the public on Wednesday not to bring animals or animal products from the restricted zones in Slovakia and Hungary. Those traveling to Hungary or Slovakia during the holidays should also note that the closure of 21 small border crossings remains in effect and that disease control mats have been installed at the open border crossings.

5,000 Foot-and-Mouth Disease Tests in Burgenland So Far Negative

In total, around 5,000 tests for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been conducted in Burgenland over the past two weeks, evaluated by the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), and all have returned negative results, according to the crisis team of the state on Wednesday in response to an APA inquiry. In the first round, all businesses in the designated sample had already been tested, and the second round has been underway since the beginning of the week. According to the crisis team, the sample includes 158 animal holdings where susceptible animal species, such as cows, pigs, or sheep, are tested.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Weekly Tests in Eight Businesses

To ensure the most comprehensive monitoring possible, the monitoring program will continue until May 20, the crisis team stated. In the monitoring zone, which includes the four municipalities of Deutsch Jahrndorf, Nickelsdorf, Halbturn, and Mönchhof (district of Neusiedl am See) with eight animal holdings, weekly testing will continue. The approximately 660 businesses in the extended restricted zone in Northern and Central Burgenland will be monitored for compliance with biosecurity measures. Clinical checks will also be conducted on the animals.

(APA/Red)

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