Brussels – Experts from the European Commission (EC) specializing in foot-and-mouth disease have arrived in Slovakia, as confirmed by Richard Takáč, the head of the Slovak agriculture sector from Smer-SD. This news follows the recent meeting of the EU Agriculture Council in Brussels, which also discussed potential compensation measures. The information was reported by the TASR correspondent.
Takáč noted that the EU Council began addressing the issue of foot-and-mouth disease in Europe at Hungary’s request, following the disease’s discovery near the Slovak border in early March. The situation escalated as the virus spread to southern Slovakia, which was also a point of discussion.
The Council of Ministers, along with European Agriculture Commissioner Christoph Hansen, discussed possible compensations for farmers affected by the outbreak. Additionally, discussions took place with representatives from the EC’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG Sante) at the level of European veterinarians, who monitor animal diseases within the EU.
“We were informed that since Monday morning, two leading experts on foot-and-mouth disease, dispatched by the European Commission, have arrived in Slovakia,” Takáč stated. He emphasized that these experts are well-acquainted with Martin Chudý, the head of the Slovak State Veterinary and Food Administration, with whom they have a longstanding collaborative relationship. The experts acknowledged Slovakia’s effective measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Following discussions with Hansen and during the Council of Ministers meeting, Takáč concluded that Slovakia and Hungary have the backing of other EU member states, with specific aid already coming from the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria. The member countries will take action in accordance with EU regulations concerning disease prevention.
“I am confident that other countries will also offer assistance, recognizing that this is not solely a problem for Slovakia and Hungary, but a broader European issue. Thus, as confirmed by the European Commission, addressing compensation will be crucial,” Takáč explained. He indicated that compensations will encompass technical aspects like culling and disinfection, as well as support for farmers who have lost their livestock.
“We will gradually assess the damages. The primary objective is to gain complete control over the situation to prevent further spread of the disease and new affected herds. We are already analyzing various steps and keeping track of the incurred costs,” he clarified.
At present, the extent of EU assistance cannot be precisely determined. The Union has designated funds for such situations, which are administered through DG Sante via national and veterinary services. Takáč also mentioned the potential to utilize unspent resources from the previous funding period, highlighting that multiple compensation options will be available. He appreciated Hansen’s commitment to exploring all avenues to maximize compensation.
Foot-and-mouth disease has resurfaced in Slovakia and Hungary after more than fifty years. Takáč remarked that even the EC experts are puzzled by the re-emergence of the virus after such a long absence. Although the virus was identified in Germany in January, it was a different variant than that found in Slovakia and Hungary. Experts are keen to investigate this anomaly and seek answers. (March 24)
“I believe that other countries also want to help because they perceive it is not just Slovakia and previously Hungary’s problem, but a problem in the European area. Therefore, as the European Commission also confirmed, it will be essential to deal with compensations,” Richard Takáč
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