Vienna: Austria's Ministry of Health has announced a phased relaxation of measures implemented to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), following confirmation that the disease has not entered the country. The current epidemiological situation is reported to be stable.
According to Emirates News Agency, in a recent coordination meeting with relevant stakeholders, it was agreed that the remaining FMD-related restrictions will be lifted. By the end of Tuesday, the final protection zones in the provinces of Burgenland and Lower Austria will be removed.
Additionally, smaller border crossings to Hungary and Slovakia, which have been closed since early April as a precaution, are set to reopen. Despite the easing of movement restrictions, certain hygiene and biosecurity protocols will remain in force. These include mandatory operational plans for animal markets and minimum biosecurity standards for livestock farms to ensure ongoing vigilance.
State Secretary for Health Ulrike K¶nigsberger-Ludwig described the development as 'a success of joint, rapid, and coordinated crisis management.' She affirmed that Austria's protection from FMD was achieved through 'high professional competence and extraordinary cooperation.'