Burgenland Wants Assistance Deployment at Border Crossings Due to Foot-and-Mouth Disease

The official request from the state has not yet reached the federal army. However, they are ready at any time to support the health authorities due to the foot-and-mouth disease, explained Markus Matzhold upon APA inquiry. The Austrian army is currently deployed in Slovakia with 50 soldiers for decontamination measures.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Border Crossings Closed from Saturday

The 21 small border crossings will be closed from April 5th at 00:00 until May 20, 2025. Border crossing will still be possible at the major crossings Kittsee-Jarovce, Nickelsdorf-Hegyeshalom 1 and 2, Pamhagen-Fertöd, Klingenbach-Sopron, St. Margarethen-Sopronköhida, Rattersdorf-Köszeg, as well as all crossings in the districts of Oberwart, Güssing, and Jennersdorf. At the open border crossings in the districts of Neusiedl am See, Eisenstadt Umgebung, and Oberpullendorf - this is the extended restricted zone - epidemic carpets were set up on Friday by the state building directorate. These are intended to prevent the introduction of the virus by incoming vehicles. These areas, on which disinfectant is applied, will then be passed by all vehicles from Hungary or Slovakia. The federal army's assistance deployment is to support the disinfection measures at the highway border crossings Kittsee and Nickelsdorf. Additionally, the state is in coordination with Asfinag, it was further stated. There was also an appeal to refrain from unnecessary trips across the borders to Hungary and Slovakia at this time.

Border Closures Due to Foot-and-Mouth Disease Also in Lower Austria

In Lower Austria, in addition to the ferry in Angern an der March and the cycling bridge Schloss Hof, the pedestrian and cycling bridge Marchegg will also be closed. Safeguards and controls will be carried out by the state police directorate. Closed border crossings would represent a less personnel-intensive measure compared to border controls at open crossings and would be carried out "in varying strength and intensity," it was stated from St. Pölten. Measures to combat the epidemic, such as defining and implementing disinfection measures (e.g., also in the area of border control), are to be ordered by the health authorities.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Epidemic Carpets Also in Lower Austria

At the open border crossings in Hohenau (district of Gänserndorf) and Berg (district of Bruck an der Leitha), epidemic carpets are being laid and maintained by the Lower Austrian road service, it was stated on Friday upon APA inquiry from the state. The goal is to prevent the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease via the road as much as possible. Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP) emphasized that the protection of agricultural businesses has the highest priority. Therefore, action is being taken quickly, coordinated, and with full determination at all levels - in close cooperation with the state councilor responsible for veterinary and animal protection matters, Susanne Rosenkranz (FPÖ), and Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf (ÖVP), to whom thanks are due for their committed efforts. The state's task force meets continuously to coordinate on current developments at any time and to take the necessary measures as quickly as possible, it was emphasized. Involved are, among others, experts from the veterinary directorate, disaster protection, road service, emergency organizations, and agriculture.

(APA/Red)

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