Czech animal import ban extended to Lower Austria and Burgenland

The ban on imports of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and animal products has been extended to Lower Austria and Burgenland starting on Thursday due to the risk of foot-and-mouth disease. At the same time, entry to farms in South Moravia, Zlín and Moravia-Silesia is prohibited.

Extra checks on vehicles over 3.5 tonnes carrying animals or animal products will begin Friday at the Hatě and Mikulov border crossings, where selected vehicles must pass through disinfection zones.

Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný confirmed that contingency plans are in place if the disease reaches Czechia. He also called on the army for potential cooperation. Additionally, vehicles from Slovakia and Hungary carrying animals will need to disinfect their wheels and undercarriages at selected crossings, including Hatě and Mikulov.