Slovakia declares state of emergency over foot-and-mouth threat
The Slovak government has declared a state of emergency across the country after detecting the fourth outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the south.
What do you need to know?
- State of emergency across Slovakia: The decision was made following a government meeting to more effectively combat foot-and-mouth disease.
- Fourth outbreak of the disease: New cases were detected in the south of the country, where three outbreaks had already been identified earlier.
- Coordination of efforts: The state of emergency is intended to facilitate the coordination of efforts to fight the disease among animals.
Why did Slovakia declare a state of emergency?
Agriculture Minister Richard Takač stated that the Slovak government decided to declare a state of emergency in response to the growing threat of foot-and-mouth disease. This disease, which has already affected four farms in the south of the country, requires immediate and coordinated actions to prevent its further spread.
What are the next steps in combating foot-and-mouth disease?
The state of emergency aims to facilitate the coordination of actions among various services and institutions responsible for animal health. This will enable a rapid response to new cases and minimize the risk of the disease spreading further. Minister Takač emphasized that the priority is to protect animal health and prevent losses in agriculture.
What are the consequences for farmers?
Farmers in regions affected by foot-and-mouth disease must adhere to strict biosecurity measures to prevent the disease's further spread. The declaration of the state of emergency also means that additional restrictions on the movement of animals and agricultural products may be implemented. The Slovak government assures that it will support farmers during these challenging times to minimize economic losses.