Austria has launched a major surveillance program to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) after outbreaks in Hungary and Slovakia.

The program includes strict controls in Burgenland, with 660 farms under monitoring and weekly tests in high-risk areas.

Import bans on animals and fresh meat are also in place until May 17. Farmers are urged to follow strict hygiene measures, while the public is asked to avoid unnecessary travel to affected regions.

Meanwhile, Austria’s largest agricultural insurer has stopped accepting new FMD-related policies, citing high demand.

Alternative insurers are available but with regional restrictions.

Authorities stress the importance of early detection to avoid devastating economic losses.