Poland and 15 other countries have temporarily banned imports of Hungarian meat and dairy products. Slovak authorities have also halted several shipments of Hungarian meat at the border.
At three key Poland-Slovakia crossings in southern Poland: Chyżne, Niedzica, and Piwniczna Zdrój, border officials are conducting thorough inspections and disinfecting vehicles transporting animals.
Restricted zones and containment measures
The European Commission has established restricted zones in affected areas of Hungary and Slovakia, prohibiting the movement of susceptible animals, animal-derived products, and potentially contaminated feed or equipment.
Hungary has culled 1,400 infected cattle and imposed export restrictions on beef, pork, and goat meat. It remains unclear how long these measures will last.
Meanwhile, Poland has implemented EU-mandated restrictions on the transport of livestock and animal products. Updates on the situation are available on the website of Poland’s Chief Veterinary Inspectorate.
What is foot-and-mouth disease?
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection affecting livestock such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, causing fever, blisters, and lameness, with severe economic consequences for agriculture.
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Source: IAR/PAP/Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/YouTube.com/@UNFAO