Hungary and Slovakia Lift Border Restrictions Amid Decline in Animal Disease Outbreak
The end of border checks coincides with the decline of a severe animal disease affecting livestock.
Starting at midnight on Tuesday, all border crossings between Hungary and Slovakia will reopen, as confirmed by the Slovak crisis staff.
Officials stated that the outbreak of the disease is considered 'effectively concluded,' with no new infections reported during the incubation period.
Slovakia's Interior Minister emphasized the effectiveness of the protective measures, stating that 99 percent of the crisis was managed thoroughly.
He expressed gratitude to the police, firefighters, and animal welfare units, particularly those involved in the handling of affected animals, acknowledging the psychological toll of such tasks.
National Police Chief Jana Maskarová announced that controls will cease at 60 border crossings, with roadblocks and traffic signs being removed.
Additionally, disinfection gates at open crossings will be dismantled by the police by Wednesday.
Although border checks are being lifted and protective zones are being abolished without territorial restrictions, specific precautions related to farming enterprises will remain in place, as noted by Martin Chudy, director of the State Veterinary and Food Administration.
Access to farms will still be restricted to unauthorized personnel, and records of employees will be maintained, alongside mandatory vehicle sanitation.
Regulations concerning the transport of animals are also being relaxed, allowing for the transfer of livestock between farms, to slaughterhouses, and for international shipments.
However, these shipments will continue to be monitored.
Neighboring countries of Slovakia, including Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland, have announced the cessation of strict animal welfare measures.
In Hungary, the government has lifted the import bans that were previously imposed on neighboring countries due to commercial tensions stemming from the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
A decree published in the Hungarian Gazette also indicated that previously postponed events, such as the Gerecse 50 endurance hike, may now proceed.
This development aligns with recent statements made by Hungary's Minister of Agriculture, István Nagy.
Officials stated that the outbreak of the disease is considered 'effectively concluded,' with no new infections reported during the incubation period.
Slovakia's Interior Minister emphasized the effectiveness of the protective measures, stating that 99 percent of the crisis was managed thoroughly.
He expressed gratitude to the police, firefighters, and animal welfare units, particularly those involved in the handling of affected animals, acknowledging the psychological toll of such tasks.
National Police Chief Jana Maskarová announced that controls will cease at 60 border crossings, with roadblocks and traffic signs being removed.
Additionally, disinfection gates at open crossings will be dismantled by the police by Wednesday.
Although border checks are being lifted and protective zones are being abolished without territorial restrictions, specific precautions related to farming enterprises will remain in place, as noted by Martin Chudy, director of the State Veterinary and Food Administration.
Access to farms will still be restricted to unauthorized personnel, and records of employees will be maintained, alongside mandatory vehicle sanitation.
Regulations concerning the transport of animals are also being relaxed, allowing for the transfer of livestock between farms, to slaughterhouses, and for international shipments.
However, these shipments will continue to be monitored.
Neighboring countries of Slovakia, including Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland, have announced the cessation of strict animal welfare measures.
In Hungary, the government has lifted the import bans that were previously imposed on neighboring countries due to commercial tensions stemming from the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
A decree published in the Hungarian Gazette also indicated that previously postponed events, such as the Gerecse 50 endurance hike, may now proceed.
This development aligns with recent statements made by Hungary's Minister of Agriculture, István Nagy.
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