Czech firefighters assist Slovakia amid FMD outbreak

Prague

In response to a growing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Slovakia, the Czech Republic has sent a team of 16 firefighters to assist in the emergency response efforts. These firefighters will join Slovak teams in decontamination operations to contain the spread of the virus, according to the Czech Fire and Rescue Service.

The Slovak government declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after FMD was detected at a fourth farm in the Dunajska Streda district, located near previously affected villages. This outbreak follows the initial confirmation of the disease last Friday in southern Slovakia.

To prevent further spread, the Czech Republic reintroduced border controls with Slovakia last week, enforcing a ban on livestock imports from affected areas at major border crossings.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. It causes fever, excessive salivation, loss of appetite, and blisters on the mouth and feet. This outbreak in Slovakia is the first in the region since 1975 in the Czech Republic, although the disease remains a constant global threat.

The World Organisation for Animal Health has emphasized the economic impact of FMD on livestock production and international trade. Early detection and effective surveillance are critical in preventing its spread, especially in regions that are currently free of the disease.