Import Bans and Additional Controls Due to Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Many travel from Austria to Eastern Europe for Easter and bring back food. However, the import of meat, raw milk, and slaughter products is not allowed this time. "There is an import ban from Slovakia and Hungary," Schmiedtbauer continued.

Foot-and-mouth disease: Import bans for live animals, meat, and slaughter products

Likewise, live animals of susceptible species such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, as well as slurry and manure from these countries may not be imported. Although no cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been reported in other neighboring countries in Eastern Europe, caution is also advised there - for example, in Slovenia and Croatia. "We are not nervous, but we are trying to prepare as best as possible for an emergency," said the Councillor, who explicitly warned of the "enormous economic consequences" of an outbreak in Austria. If cases are detected, all cloven-hoofed animals within a three-kilometer radius must be killed. However, no cases of the disease have been detected in Austria in more than 1,000 samples. Schmiedtbauer also spoke of additional controls for returnees from Hungary and Slovakia. As a further precautionary measure, information for travelers will be provided at bus stations and other critical points. The hunting community also plays an important role in detecting an outbreak of the disease, said Franz Mayr-Melnhof-Saurau, Styria's state hunting master, who is currently also the president of Hunting Austria. "We are early detection partners in the districts," he emphasized the importance. Hunters observe the wildlife and recognize sick animals.

Foot-and-mouth disease also a threat to wild animals

Foot-and-mouth disease can also be transmitted to wild animals, as all cloven-hoofed animals can contract the disease. It is transmitted by the wind and can travel up to 40 kilometers. "This disease has not been this close for 40 years," emphasized Anna Kübber-Heiss, a pathologist at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, who also spoke about other diseases of wild animals at the hunters' press conference. She mentioned that there is little experience so far with how the disease manifests in wild animals. A general hunting ban, as currently applies in the surveillance area in parts of Burgenland and Lower Austria, can only be supported by her. However, she also urged caution in other areas: "Hunters should please report if they notice anything," said the pathologist. The import of hunting trophies and wild game meat from Slovakia and Hungary is also currently prohibited. Schmiedtbauer explained that in the event of detection of the disease, the entire livestock that could be affected by the disease must be killed. The costs for this, as well as for the destruction of food and feed, are borne by the federal government, but not the loss of earnings: "However, there is the possibility to get insurance for this." Farmers must bear in mind that the insurance only becomes effective after six weeks.

(APA/Red)

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