UPDATE: Poland free of foot-and-mouth disease, but threat level is higher than ever, says minister
Teresa Kubas-Hul, the Governor of the Podkarpacie region in southeastern Poland, held a press conference before the weekend to announce the intensifying preventive measures aimed at preventing the spread of the disease into Poland.
These actions include disinfecting trucks at border crossings and monitoring food products from Slovakia. While no cases have been found in Podkarpacie, the authorities are taking the threat seriously.
Local veterinary services are training farmers, recommending farm access restrictions, disinfectant mats, and immediate reporting of any suspicious symptoms in animals.
To track animal movement, the highly contagious virus is being monitored through the EU’s TRACES system. Veterinary labs are also working 24/7 to respond to potential outbreaks.
Beware of fake reports
The Polish Ministry of Agriculture warns against misinformation about foot-and-mouth disease and urges everyone concerned to rely on credible sources, such as the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate, for reliable updates.
What is foot-and-mouth disease?
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. While it is dangerous to animals, it does not pose a risk to humans.
The disease spreads rapidly, causing symptoms like fever and blisters on the animals' hooves and mouths. Despite its impact on livestock, it poses no direct threat to human health.
Animation created by The Pirbright Institute in the UK illustrating the life cycle of the foot-and-mouth disease virus.
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Source: IAR/PAP/The Pirbright Institute/UK/X/@MRiRW_GOV_PL/@TKH_Teresa