The Italian Ministry of Health has communicated that as of 7 April 2025, 11 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been confirmed, of which 1 in Germany, 4 in Hungary, and 6 in Slovakia. To contain the risk of the disease being introduced into the national territory, the Italian Directorate General for Animal Health has strengthened the prevention and control measures provided for by current EU and national legislation, with immediate effect. Specifically, the disinfection of the wheels of vehicles utilised for the transportation of susceptible animals entering the national territory via the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, originating from Hungary and Slovakia, is mandated. After this, the vehicles are to be directed exclusively towards their designated destination farm or slaughterhouse. If livestock must be conveyed to a Collection Centre, the taking of biological samples from the animals for subsequent laboratory testing for FMD is a mandatory procedure. The animals must remain at the Centre for a minimum period of 14 days, after which, after the collection of additional samples for laboratory tests for FMD, and in the event of a positive result, they can be transported to the designated final destination facility. Concurrently, the movement of all animals susceptible to FMD from national and/or other EU countries present in the Collection Centre is prohibited.
April 8, 2025
