Agriculture Ministry: Measures Against Foot-and-mouth to be Relaxed as of Monday

Bratislava, April 28 (TASR) - As of Monday, the State Veterinary and Food Administration has eased certain measures related to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, allowing under certain conditions the transport of animals at risk in the Trencin, Zilina, Banska Bystrica, Presov and Kosice regions to other farms and pastures, and permitting facilities with susceptible animals such as zoos and circuses in the Presov and Kosice regions to reopen to the public, the Agriculture Ministry stated on social media. Animals being transported must have a certificate from the Regional Veterinary and Food Administration (RVPS) for further breeding in Slovakia, negative results for foot-and-mouth disease, and must be transferred directly from a farm where they have been kept for at least 30 days. When animals are moved to pastures, blood tests aren't required as long as they don't come into contact with animals from other farms. The Veterinary Administration also stated that transport vehicles must be cleaned and disinfected, and that export across borders or collection at gathering centres is only permitted if the animals are destined for slaughter. For zoos, it's required that both people and vehicles undergo disinfection upon entry and exit, and hand disinfection is mandatory for all individuals entering or leaving the premises. Additionally, animals must not be touched or fed by visitors. lin