Fifth foot-and-mouth outbreak in Slovakia prompts mass cull
The fifth outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in Slovakia. Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč announced that over 3,500 cattle on a farm in Plavecký Štvrtok will need to be culled.
What you need to know
- Where and when was the new outbreak detected? The fifth outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed on a farm in Plavecký Štvrtok, in the Malacky district of northwestern Slovakia.
- What actions have been taken? The farm, managed by a Danish company, has over 3,500 cattle that will need to be culled.
- What are the next steps? An extraordinary government meeting led by Robert Fico will take place on Monday morning to discuss the situation.
Foot-and-mouth disease in Slovakia: cattle had contact with Hungarian farm
Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč reported that the farm in Plavecký Štvrtok had contact with a Hungarian farm in Level, where foot-and-mouth disease was also detected.
Veterinary services have confirmed the emergence of the fifth outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Slovakia, Takáč stated. The disease is transmitted through contact between animals, as well as by humans, tools, and vehicles.
What are the consequences for farmers?
The farm in Plavecký Štvrtok, one of the largest in Slovakia, raises dairy cows, heifers, and calves. According to the minister, over 3,500 cattle will need to be culled.
In light of the situation, the government plans to hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss further steps.
Foot-and-mouth disease, although not dangerous to humans, is one of the most contagious diseases among animals. It has been detected in five farms in Slovakia, presenting a challenge for authorities in controlling and preventing the further spread of the virus.
