Austria Enforces Border Closures to Contain Foot-and-Mouth Disease Threat

Starting April 5, Austria has closed 24 border crossings with Hungary and Slovakia, introduced import bans, and begun vehicle inspections to prevent the spread of the highly contagious animal disease.

• Austria has temporarily closed 21 border crossings with Hungary and 3 with Slovakia to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
• Import bans on live animals, fresh meat, raw milk, and manure from affected regions in Hungary and Slovakia are now in effect.
• Vehicle inspections and document checks at border crossings have been implemented to enforce the new measures.
• The closures and restrictions are expected to remain in place until at least May 21, 2025, as part of a coordinated response with health authorities and regional governments.
• No FMD cases have been reported within Austria, but outbreaks in neighboring countries, including a significant case in Slovakia on March 31, have heightened the risk.

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