Import of animals is banned due to foot-and-mouth disease!
Austrian authorities announced a ban on the import of live animals and animal products from areas affected by foot-and-mouth disease (Maul- und Klauenseuche – MKS) in both Hungary (Ungarn) and Slovakia (Slowakei), following an increase in the number of cases in both countries.
Hungary recently recorded its fifth case of the highly contagious virus on a dairy farm with 874 heads in the Rábapordányi area, about an hour's drive from the town of Oberpullendorf in Burgenland. All infected cows were culled during the night of Good Friday. In Slovakia, the fourth and last outbreak of the disease was reported in early April at one of the farms.
So far, no cases have been reported in Austria, and the government is striving to maintain this situation. The ban includes the import of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, as well as fresh meat, raw milk, animal by-products, manure, hunting skins, wild meat, in addition to plant feed and hay. Additionally, 23 small border crossings with affected countries have been closed, and controls have been tightened at open crossings.
Anyone who violates this ban – intentionally or accidentally – faces significant financial penalties. According to paragraph 70 of the Animal Health Act in Austria, the fine can reach up to 2,500 euros, or in case of non-payment, an alternative imprisonment penalty of up to 12 days.
Even unintentional actions like forgetting remnants of a sausage sandwich in the car when crossing the border are considered violations. In these cases, a fine of up to 800 euros may be imposed, or an alternative imprisonment of up to 8 days in case of non-payment. Authorities emphasize the necessity of full compliance with the instructions to protect the country from this incurable virus that threatens livestock.