From March 26, only four major border crossings between the Czech Republic and Slovakia have remained open to freight vehicles of over 3.5 tonnes. These selected routes — equipped with disinfection mats — are:
- Mosty u Jablunkova / Svrčinovec (I/68, E75)
- Bílá-Bumbálka / Makov (I/35)
- Břeclav / Brodské (D2 motorway)
- Starý Hrozenkov / Drietoma (I/50)
All other Czech-Slovak crossings are temporarily closed to heavier freight traffic in an effort to curb the spread of the highly contagious livestock disease. Authorities are also stepping up inspections both at the border and inland.
Transporters of susceptible animals, animal by-products, germinal products, or uncooked animal products from Slovakia and Hungary are required to present documentation proving vehicle disinfection and shipment origin. In addition, vehicles carrying live animals from outbreak zones within the last 21 days must show proof of disinfection before loading, and breeders must maintain entry logs for 12 months.
Entry into livestock facilities is prohibited for individuals who have been in FMD-restricted zones in Slovakia or Hungary within the past 21 days.
Slovak-Hungarian border closures
Meanwhile, Slovakia has closed its minor border crossings with Hungary until further notice. As of 27 March, five major crossings remain open for freight transport over 3.5 tonnes: Rajka–Rusovce, Medveďov–Vámosszabadi, Komárno–Komárom, Štúrovo–Esztergom, and Šahy–Parassapuszta. However, the transport of animals susceptible to FMD is only permitted via the Šahy–Parassapuszta crossing.
Disinfection gates are being installed at these high-capacity crossings to help prevent further spread of the disease.
Austria has also reacted (update from 28 March)
On Thursday, 27 March, Austria responded to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Hungary and Slovakia by introducing a range of countermeasures.
Since yesterday, the Alpine country has banned the import of live animals of susceptible species — such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats — from Hungary and Slovakia, as well as fresh meat, raw milk, slurry, manure, hunting trophies, and game. Police and customs officers will also carry out targeted checks in border areas.
However, there are no stationary border controls; instead, Austrian authorities are conducting mobile operations to prevent the illegal transport of animals or animal products.
In addition, Austria has introduced foot-and-mouth disease control regulations, establishing a framework for exclusion zones within the country. These zones apply primarily to agricultural activities involving certain animal species and include, for example, stricter hygiene protocols, operational inspections, and restrictions on animal transport.
There are no restrictions for people — it is safe to stay in these areas, even with pets.
Timeline of foot-and-mouth disease restrictions in Central Europe
The following timeline outlines the key measures introduced by Central European countries in response to the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease.
- 6 March 2025 – Hungary confirms an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on a cattle farm in Kisbajcs near the Slovak border. Approximately 1,400 animals are affected.
- 7 March 2025 – Hungary imposes nationwide transport restrictions on all susceptible livestock and bans exports of such animals and related products. Protection and surveillance zones are established around the outbreak area.
- 8 March 2025 – Poland installs disinfection stations at border crossings with Slovakia and bans imports of susceptible animals and products from Hungary and selected Slovak regions.
- 21 March 2025 – The Czech Republic introduces border checks and bans imports of susceptible animals and raw animal products from Slovakia. Strict controls and heavy fines for non-compliance are announced.
- 25 March 2025 – Slovakia confirms new FMD cases on multiple farms. The Czech Republic tightens restrictions and enhances inspections on the Slovak border.
- 26 March 2025 – Slovakia closes several minor border crossings with Hungary until further notice. Disinfection gates are introduced at major crossings. A new FMD outbreak is reported near Levél, close to Mosonmagyaróvár in Hungary.
- 27 March 2025 – Only four major Czech-Slovak border crossings remain open to freight over 3.5 tonnes, all equipped with disinfection mats.
- 27 March, 2025 – Austria introduces a series of measures to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, including a ban on the import of animals susceptible to the disease and controls in border areas.
