ADVERTISEMENTFoot-and-mouth disease inspections in Slovakia have led to traffic jams along the D2 highway towards the Czech Republic.
Reports indicate that there are queue lengths of about 12 kilometers on both lanes, with Slovakian police warning the situation may worsen.
Motorists are advised to use smaller border crossings for travel to the Czech Republic, yet delays should still be anticipated.
In response to an outbreak of the disease, Slovakia declared a state of emergency in late March.
Fresh cases have been reported, with the total number of affected locations now standing at six.
A new outbreak has also been detected in Hungary, approximately 15 kilometers from the Slovak border near Bratislava.
Border Checks and Closures
The Slovakian government reintroduced temporary border checks with Hungary and Austria in response to the escalating situation. These measures took effect on Tuesday and will remain in place until 8th May.
“Given the proximity to outbreak areas, the measure is necessary even though the disease’s presence hasn’t been confirmed in Austria,” explained Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok.
Cases have been reported in the Dunajská Streda and Malacky districts, close to the Austrian border.
For Hungary, 16 border crossings will be temporarily closed to alleviate pressure on police and border staff, as veterinarians continue to monitor and manage the situation on the ground, including the disposal of infected animals.
Foot-and-mouth disease, which is highly contagious among livestock and primarily affects cattle, can also infect pigs, sheep, and goats.
