Austria Closes Borders Over Foot-and-Mouth Threat

Austria’s Ministry of the Interior announced on Saturday the temporary closure of several border crossings with Slovakia and Hungary to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.

In an official statement, the ministry said the closures were introduced at the request of health authorities following outbreaks of the disease in both neighboring countries.

Border controls, already in place since autumn 2023 with Slovakia and since 2015 with Hungary, have been tightened. Measures now include stopping vehicles, inspecting cargo, and verifying necessary documents to curb any potential spread.

Smaller, less frequently used crossings have been closed to contain the disease and protect Austria’s border regions.

The affected crossings were identified in close coordination with health authorities from Lower Austria and Burgenland, along with agricultural interest groups, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management.

Local police directorates are overseeing security and enforcement at the impacted crossings.

The ministry emphasized that these actions are part of proactive efforts to safeguard Austria’s agriculture and livestock industries from further risks associated with foot-and-mouth disease.