Truck checks on the Czech-Slovak border have continued for a 3rd week as fears of foot-and-mouth illness spreading all through the nation proceed.
Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný mentioned the restrictions might be lifted 30 days after culling the final farm animal contaminated with foot-and-mouth illness in Slovakia.
“Essentially the most vital threat is because of transmission by way of contaminated human objects,” mentioned Jiri Cerny, an affiliate professor on the Czech College of Life Sciences Prague.
“Which means on tires and vehicles, on the soles of sneakers, by way of contaminated meals.”
Slovakia declared a state of emergency on the finish of March to rid the nation of foot-and-mouth illness after three circumstances have been found in separate farms.
On Monday, the Slovakian authorities mentioned it had additionally reintroduced momentary border checks with Hungary and Austria in response to the escalating outbreak.
The measure, which got here into impact on Tuesday, will stay in place till 8 Might, in line with Inside Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok.
“Though the presence of foot-and-mouth illness has not been confirmed in Austria, the measure is critical because of the proximity of outbreak areas,” he mentioned.
Foot-and-mouth illness (FMD), a extremely contagious viral illness of livestock, primarily impacts cattle however can even infect swine, sheep and goats.
The virus is preserved in saliva, urine, faeces and milk.
It’s transmitted by contact with sick animals, by way of the air, and on the surfaces of individuals, instruments or autos.
However the threat of transmission to people may be very low to negligible.