Bratislava – Following support from the Czech Republic and Hungary, Austria is set to assist Slovakia in combating an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Approximately 70 specialists and ten disinfecting machines will be dispatched to help affected farms. Furthermore, a European Commission (EC) team is expected to arrive in Slovakia on Monday, March 24, as announced by Richard Takáč, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. The outbreak has impacted three farms in southern Slovakia, according to TASR.
“International cooperation has been exemplary,” Takáč stated, noting that assistance is also anticipated from countries like the Netherlands. He reassured that Slovakia is taking all necessary measures to contain the outbreak, emphasizing the Ministry of Agriculture’s commitment to resolving the situation swiftly.
The minister acknowledged that the response is constrained by insufficient transport technology. Consequently, Slovakia may adopt a protocol similar to Hungary’s, where a pit will be excavated for the burial of culled cattle, as the disease emerged there just before it was detected in Slovakia. Several potential burial sites have been identified, although he refrained from disclosing specific locations.
Takáč mentioned that three or four sites are under consideration, with authorities set to finalize the selection of one. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of all relevant parties, stating that they are diligently working to address the outbreak, often exceeding standard protocols. He defended the government’s timely actions and dismissed opposition criticism, promising to outline the response strategies to the agricultural committee. He expressed concern over media drones interfering with the situation, asserting that a worst-case scenario is unlikely.
Compensation measures are planned not only for large farms affected by the outbreak but also for smallholders.
The foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in cattle farms across three villages in southern Slovakia—Medveďov, Ňárad, and Baka. The outbreak likely originated from Hungary. A state of emergency has been declared in the Dunajská Streda district since the evening of March 21. The disease is a serious and highly contagious viral infection of livestock that poses significant economic risks. (March 23)
“International cooperation has been exemplary.” Richard Takáč
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