Another Case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reported in Hungary Near Burgenland

The animals from the farm affected by foot-and-mouth disease have already been killed and buried near the Hungarian town of Pereszteg. There was no early information from Hungary. According to an initial assessment by Burgenland, there is currently no immediate threat to groundwater in Austria.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Groundwater in Austria Not Expected to Be at Risk

To continue to exclude the transmission of the FMD virus through contaminated groundwater from Hungary, official experts from the main department of water management in the office of the Burgenland state government were consulted. They are to check whether a deterioration of the groundwater condition on Austrian territory can be ruled out, it was further stated. "We will continue to pay great attention to ensuring that impacts on our groundwater can be excluded. To this end, we will use all possibilities of ongoing review and cooperation within the framework of the cross-border water commission," explained State Councilor Heinrich Dorner (SPÖ). He also criticized the approach and information policy on the Hungarian side.

According to the Hungarian authorities, the animal carcasses were buried in a former excavation area - a sand pit. The deposition took place on a largely dense, clayey substrate. The authority also confirmed the assumption of the Burgenland experts that the groundwater flow direction is from northwest to southeast. Therefore, there is currently no immediate threat to groundwater in Austria. Further details will be clarified in the coming days with Hungarian colleagues, reported the state media service.

Hungary Expanded Restriction Zone Due to Foot-and-Mouth Disease Case

In response to this recent outbreak, Hungary has expanded the restriction zone. No animals or goods may be brought abroad from the affected areas. In Burgenland, 21 small border crossings are currently completely closed. At the larger ones in Northern Burgenland, such as the one in Nickelsdorf, disinfection mats are laid out. The existing measures and any changes due to the new situation are continuously evaluated, it was stated in response to an APA inquiry.

(APA/Red)

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