Totschnig Warns of Spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease at Easter

"Especially around Easter, the risk of foot-and-mouth disease being introduced increases," said Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP). Returnees from affected countries to Austria, increased travel due to holidays, or Easter markets with products of unclear origin – all of this could contribute to the spread.

Totschnig's Appeal: Adhere to Hygiene Regulations for Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Totschnig appealed to be particularly vigilant, to strictly adhere to hygiene regulations, and not to bring fresh meat, raw milk, or feed from affected regions: "Those who travel to affected regions and come into contact with animals can inadvertently contribute to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease," warned the minister. As of Wednesday evening, there were no FMD cases in Austria.

Climate Law According to Totschnig "In the Coming Months"

The Climate Minister remained optimistic in the interview regarding the presentation of an Austrian climate law in the coming months. "Even during the government negotiations - for example with the SPÖ and the Neos - we discussed possible contents intensively. We looked at various models, such as the Vienna Climate Protection Act or the German Climate Protection Act. From this, we developed considerations that were also recorded in the government program," said Totschnig. Therefore, he is also confident that we will make progress here in the near future. "I assume that this law will be one of the first in the climate area that I can present," said the department head. The law is intended to create a clear framework that defines how the cooperation of the various affected ministries should work. "Because climate protection affects many departments - the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Economy and Energy, as well as the Ministry of Finance. Especially in the financial sector, it is also about subsidies and other important regulations," said Totschnig. In addition, a scientific advisory board is to be established and the involvement of the population regulated.

Totschnig: EU Restoration Law Must Be Implemented

By mid-2026, Totschnig must submit a plan to the EU Commission for the implementation of the EU Restoration Law - the law that the then Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) co-decided in Brussels against the will of the ÖVP - and almost caused the coalition to break. The department head continues to view the law critically: "In Austria, there are already numerous flagship projects together with the people. But now there is something on the table that has been dictated from above by Brussels," said the minister. A structure for developing the plan has meanwhile been established together with the federal states, and the corresponding working groups have already started their work. "But to really get specific in planning, crucial information from Brussels is still missing," said the minister. "For me, it is important to proceed with caution. We need to involve those affected to be able to make a realistic cost and budget plan," said Totschnig.

New Law on Fully Slatted Floors in May

A new legal regulation for the transition period for the ban on fully slatted floors in pig farming is very urgent. This must be newly regulated by the end of May 2025 at the latest due to a decision by the Constitutional Court, otherwise a ban will come into effect on June 1. According to the government program, there will be a law in May. "We are determined to put a practical regulation in place. Pig production is the second largest production branch in animal husbandry - it is a very significant matter. Our goal is clear: We want to ensure that pork from Austria continues to be available to consumers - both conventionally produced meat and organic meat, according to demand."

Totschnig Relaxed About Lobau Tunnel

Even though the Lobau Tunnel no longer falls under the responsibility of the Environment Minister, Totschnig is relaxed about a possible resumption of construction work. These were stopped in 2021 by Gewessler due to a climate compatibility assessment. "The government program is very clear on this issue. In the area of transport, it is clearly stated that - for the purpose of strengthening economic growth and protecting the population from through traffic - all projects approved and decided in the Federal Roads Act should be implemented as quickly as possible. The Lobau Tunnel is one of these projects," said the department head. The Transport Minister has announced that he will carefully examine the project. "If he concludes that the project will be implemented, I will not oppose it."

(APA/Red)

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