Austria closes border crossings with Hungary and Slovakia after FMD outbreak

Austria has closed 24 border crossings with Hungary and Slovakia to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD). Both neighbouring countries have reported several cases of the disease in the past few weeks, with Slovakia even declaring an emergency on April 1. Hungary has also deployed the military to contain the outbreak near the borders with Slovakia and Austria.
Austrian health authorities have intensified checks at the few open border crossings with Hungary and Slovakia, with cars and pedestrians having to cross over an epidemic rug as a disinfection measure. Police also search vehicles for meat products. Austrian officials said they are focusing on the border to prevent the disease spreading into the country. However, they are also preparing plans to face a possible outbreak on their national territory.