In response to the recent outbreak of slintačka a krívačka, known in eng. as foot-and-mouth disease, Slovakia has declared a nationwide state of emergency to contain the spread and mitigate its impact on the livestock industry.
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Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Slovakia
The disease’s emergence in Slovakia follows similar outbreaks in neighboring countries. Hungary reported its first FMD case in over 50 years on March 7, 2025, at a cattle farm in Kisbajcs, near the Slovak border. Germany also confirmed an outbreak in January 2025 in a herd of water buffalo near Berlin.
Response of Slovakian government
In light of the escalating situation, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico convened an extraordinary government session on March 25, during which the nationwide state of emergency was approved. This declaration enables the implementation of stringent measures and restrictions aimed at controlling the disease’s spread.
„The agriculture minister suggested that I should convene an extraordinary government session. I can inform you that the minister has asked the government to declare a state of emergency throughout the territory of Slovakia with all the measures and restrictions that such a state entails” said Prime Minister Fico.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to compensating affected breeders. Government is actively seeking support from European funding mechanisms, including the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. Reallocating resources from other ministries is also an option. „Even if we were to financially harm another ministry, we have to find this money. I believe that it won’t be hundreds of millions of euros, but that we’ll be talking about maybe tens of millions” said Prime Minister Fico.
What is FMD – Foot-and-mouth disease?
The foot-and-mouth outbreak poses significant economic risks to Slovakia’s agriculture and food industries. President Peter Pellegrini expressed concerns that if the virus spreads further, it could lead to severe disruptions, including potential shortages of milk and meat.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD, in Slovakian slintačka a krívačka) is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals. In danger are animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer. Infected animals primarily exhibit fever and the blisters in the mouth and on the feet, which then cause excessive production of saliva and difficulty in moving.
The disease is endemic in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, but it has also re-emerged in areas considered disease-free. It is not dangerous to humans, but it can devastate livestock populations and thus cause major economic damage to agriculture and food supply chains.
Reports >> Economy >> Source: news now.tasr.sk >> Photo: Ideogram >> 06.04.2025
