Slovakia declares emergency to curb foot-and-mouth outbreak
The Slovak government has declared a state of emergency across the country following the detection of the fourth outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the southern region.
What do you need to know?
- State of emergency across Slovakia: This decision was made after a government meeting to more effectively combat foot-and-mouth disease.
- Fourth outbreak of the disease: New cases have been detected in the south, where three outbreaks had already been previously identified.
- Coordination of efforts: The state of emergency is intended to facilitate the coordination of efforts to combat the disease among animals.
Why did Slovakia declare a state of emergency?
Agriculture Minister Richard Takač stated that the Slovak government decided to declare a state of emergency due to the increasing threat of foot-and-mouth disease. This disease has already affected four farms in the southern part of the country, necessitating immediate and coordinated actions to prevent further spread.
What are the next steps in combating foot-and-mouth disease?
By declaring a state of emergency, Slovakia aims to enhance coordination among various services and institutions responsible for animal health. This will allow for a rapid response to new cases and help minimize the risk of the disease spreading further. Minister Takač emphasised that the priority is to protect animal health and prevent agricultural losses.
What are the consequences for farmers?
Farmers in regions affected by foot-and-mouth disease must adhere to strict biosecurity measures to prevent the disease from spreading further. The declaration of a state of emergency may also lead to additional restrictions on the movement of animals and agricultural products. The Slovak government assures that it will support farmers during these challenging times to minimize economic losses.
