Slovakia declares state of emergency amid disease 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 subsequent to a government meeting, aimed at more effectively combating foot-and-mouth disease.
- Fourth outbreak of the disease: New cases have been found in the south, where three outbreaks had already been identified earlier.
- Coordination of efforts: The state of emergency is intended to assist in coordinating efforts to combat the disease among animals.
Why did Slovakia declare a state of emergency?
Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč stated that the Slovak government decided to declare a state of emergency in light of the escalating threat of foot-and-mouth disease. The disease, which has already affected four farms in the south, necessitates immediate and coordinated actions to halt its spread.
What are the next steps in combating foot-and-mouth disease?
The state of emergency is designed to enhance coordination of efforts among various services and institutions responsible for animal health. This will enable swift responses to new cases and reduce the risk of further spread. Minister Takáč emphasised that the priority is to protect animal health and prevent losses in agriculture.
What are the consequences for farmers?
Farmers in regions affected by foot-and-mouth disease must adhere to strict biosecurity measures to curb further spread. The state of emergency declaration also implies that additional restrictions on the movement of animals and agricultural products may be enforced. The Slovak government assures that it will support farmers during these challenging times to minimise economic losses.
