Austria relaxes FMD measures as fear of outbreak fades

Austria’s Ministry of Health has announced a gradual relaxation of measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD). The epidemiological situation remains stable, and there are signs that the disease has failed to enter the country. Therefore, it was decided to lift FMD-related restrictions, with the removal of protection zones in the provinces of Burgenland and Lower Austria. Small border crossings with Hungary and Slovakia should also reopen. However, hygiene and biosecurity protocols will remain in place, including mandatory operational plans for animal markets and minimum biosecurity standards for livestock farms to ensure surveillance. State Secretary for Health Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig praised her country’s success in avoiding an FMD outbreak, saying it was achieved through “high professional competence and extraordinary cooperation.”