The Czech Republic has continued border inspections with Slovakia for a third consecutive week as authorities remain vigilant over the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a highly contagious livestock virus that has emerged in neighboring Slovakia.
Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný confirmed that the checks will remain in place until at least 30 days after the last infected animal is culled in Slovakia. The move is part of ongoing preventive efforts to stop the disease from entering Czech territory.
Experts warn that the biggest threat of transmission comes not from direct animal contact, but from contaminated objects. “The virus can be spread through car tires, shoe soles, or even food products,” explained Jiri Cerny, an associate professor at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.
Slovakia declared a state of emergency in late March after confirming three separate cases of FMD on different farms. In response, the Slovak government has reintroduced temporary border checks with both Hungary and Austria. These additional controls took effect Tuesday and are scheduled to last until May 8, according to Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok.
“Even though Austria hasn’t confirmed any FMD cases, the proximity of outbreak zones makes these steps necessary,” Eštok said.
Foot-and-mouth disease primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. The virus can survive in bodily fluids including saliva, urine, feces, and milk. It spreads through direct contact with infected animals, airborne transmission, and contaminated surfaces including equipment, clothing, and vehicles.
While the virus is extremely contagious among animals, the risk of it infecting humans is considered extremely low to negligible, according to veterinary health experts.
Authorities in both countries continue to enforce strict biosecurity protocols to contain the spread and protect domestic livestock industries from further disruption.
