Central Europe battles cattle disease outbreak

Authorities in Central Europe are racing to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, prompting border closures and mass culling.

Authorities across Central Europe are working to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease among cattle, which has triggered widespread border closures and the culling of thousands of animals.

The outbreak was first detected on a cattle farm in northwestern Hungary. Within weeks, cases surfaced on three more farms in Slovakia, prompting swift action from local authorities. Multiple farms in both countries have now confirmed infections, with nearly 3,000 cattle culled in Hungary alone.

Hungarian authorities continue efforts to halt the spread of the disease, disinfecting affected farms and vehicles in the region.

In response to the outbreak, Slovakia has closed 16 border crossings with Hungary and one with Austria, citing containment concerns. Austria, which has not reported any cases, has shut 23 crossings with Hungary and Slovakia as a precaution. The Czech Republic, though further from the outbreak, has introduced disinfection protocols at all five major border crossings for freight trucks.

Foot-and-mouth disease primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and deer, causing fever and painful blisters in the mouth and hooves. The virus spreads through animal contact, contaminated surfaces, or even via the wind. It poses minimal risk to humans.

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