Slovakia is taking urgent action to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, confirmed in livestock in southern Slovakia. On Tuesday, March 25, the government called a special meeting to assess the situation and discuss compensation for affected farmers and declared a national emergency in response to the outbreak. It is effective as of 13:00, Tuesday, March 25.
Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč, who attended an EU Council meeting in Brussels, stated that Slovakia will provide a detailed damage report to the EC to request compensation. Takáč confirmed that around 10 million euros in losses have already been recorded, primarily from the culling of infected animals and lost milk production. He is in talks with the European Commission and EU member states to secure support and compensation. Slovakia is seeking financial aid from the EU, which has compensation funds for such outbreaks, as seen in past cases like African swine fever and avian flu.
Takáč also emphasized that while immediate control measures have been effective, the spread of the disease needs to be fully contained. Slovakia has already received help from neighbouring countries such as Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic. EU veterinary experts are assisting Slovak authorities to monitor the situation and prevent further transmission.
Meanwhile, a possible case of foot-and-mouth disease has been detected at a farm in Dolné Saliby, near Galanta, and test results are awaited. Authorities are implementing strict measures to prevent further spread, including a ban on animal movements and increased biosecurity on farms.
Source: TASR
