Authorities tighten measures against foot-and-mouth

The Czech authorities are introducing a wide range of new measures to try to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease to this country. The latest outbreak was detected in Slovakia at a farm just 40 km from the Czech border. Checks on vehicles carrying animals, food or animal feed will be extended to seven border crossings where veterinary officials are on duty 24/7, Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný announced on Monday evening. As of Tuesday preventive PCR tests on milk will be carried out at farms with more than 100 dairy cows and all farms regardless of size in the Břeclav and Hodonín districts. These tests can identify the presence of the virus several days before the first symptoms appear in animals. The minister has appealed for collective responsibility, saying the danger of a transfer is now extremely high.