Slovakia (01): (Trnava) serotype pending, Request For Information

Date: Sat 21 Mar 2025
Source: Ta3 [in Slovak, machine trans., edited]
https://www.ta3.com/clanok/986195/slintacka-a-krivacka-na-slovensku-farmy-hlasia-prve-pripady-tisicky-zvierat-caka-utratenie


Foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in 3 municipalities in the Dunajska Streda district [Trnavska Region], so far. However, there is a huge risk of the infection spreading further. One of the infected farms is only a few kilometers from the pig farm. The ta3 team went to look at the affected farms.

The foot-and-mouth disease virus has been confirmed in the village of Medvedov. On one of the first farms where the infection appeared, farmers raise a total of 670 animals. They will all have to be culled because of the virus.

"Practically from the first day the infection appeared in Hungary, we have been actively communicating and cooperating with the veterinary administration, as well as with other breeders," says a statement from Nase farm.

The farm had taken safety measures even before the infection was confirmed, including spraying disinfectant powder outside the farm gate and banning entry to the premises.

Five kilometers [3.2 mi] away, in the village of Rarad, the virus was confirmed on another farm. Both farms are operated by the same company. Strict measures have also been introduced on this farm. As a result of the infection, 650 dairy cows will have to be culled.

The last farm with confirmed foot-and-mouth disease is located in the village of Baka. This location poses a major problem, as it is only a few kilometers away from Gabcikov, where large-scale pig farming is located.

"Our herd in Baka, which consists of 1060 dairy cows, 50 high-bodied heifers and 220 calves, will have to be culled. We are doing everything we can to stop the infection. It is a disaster for cattle breeding," stated J. Slaninku, Chairman of the Board of Directors of EXATA Group.

The farm in Gabcikovo has 2300 pigs. If the infection were to spread here, the farmers say it would ruin them economically. "We have strengthened security measures, we disinfect shoes, hands, cars. Everything that enters the farm is disinfected with ozone. We are trying to do our best, " explains FirstFarm production director Atilla Koczkas.

Experts point out that foot-and-mouth disease is among the most economically demanding diseases, as it requires the destruction of entire farms.

"Farmers are losing not only their animals, but also their future. Sows that should give birth in a week, a month, two are also at risk. It's devastating for farmers," adds FirstFarm veterinarian Arpad Csorgo.

The culling of animals does not only affect farmers, but also domestic livestock in the affected areas. The same fate awaits all susceptible animals in the outbreak.

[Byline: Veronika Cepkova]

--
Communicated by:
ProMED