Austria has closed a number of border points with its neighbors, Hungary and Slovakia, in an effort to curb the spread of the disease Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and prevent its entry into the country.
Slovakia declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after the disease was found on three farms.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Hungary experienced its first outbreak of the highly infectious disease in 50 years, prompting the country to deploy soldiers and begin disinfecting measures to control the disease in an area along the border with Slovakia and Austria.
The disease does not pose a risk to humans but primarily affects livestock and other cloven-hoofed animals such as pigs, sheep, and goats, foreign media report, according to Telegrafi.
Infected animals experience fever and blisters in the mouth as symptoms of the disease. Outbreaks often lead to trade restrictions and the destruction of some livestock.
Austrian health authorities are conducting strict controls at several open border points with Hungary and Slovakia.
Vehicles must pass over an “epidemic mat” to prevent the spread of the virus, and this measure also applies to pedestrians crossing the border on foot.
The police are also inspecting vehicles at the border points for meat products.
Austrian authorities say they are concentrating their police resources at the border, while the emergency continues.
They added that while border forces are on high alert, they are also preparing in case the disease is discovered in any of Austria’s farms.
