As concerns grow over the potential spread of oral diseases (FMDs) across Europe, farms are tightening biosecurity measures to protect both livestock and the broader agricultural industry.
In Estonia, several large farms, including Andri Pied Goat Farm in Misso, Vil County, are taking aggressive steps to protect the disease from the introduction of the disease. Located on the Estonia-Latvian border, Andri Piedo has posted clear indications except for a visit to the site.
Another important agricultural work, Noprifarm, also chose to close the door to visitors. Nopuri, along with others, chose not to attend this year’s Open Farms Day. This is an annual event that attracts crowds enthusiastically to learn about how the inside of a local farm works.
“The appeal of agritourism – showing consumers a dining journey from the field to plate is a small thing compared to the risks and fears posed by a potential pandemic, explains Tiit Niilo, a farmhouse owner in Estonia.
Farms across the region have already implemented a variety of biosecurity measures, including enhanced protocols for food safety, livestock movements and employee hygiene.
Despite these measures, the Regional Agriculture Ministry has confirmed that Open Farms Day will proceed as planned. However, it remains unclear whether livestock such as cows, goats and sheep will become part of the festival as they are under ongoing threats of disease and biosecurity assessments.
Meanwhile, in the Czech Republic, the government imposes strict control on its border with Slovakia, where six outbreaks of illness have been reported.
Trucks carrying animals, animals, or feed can only cross at three designated boundary points, leading to long cues and delays. One of the busiest points, the Brodské-Bçeclav intersection, has 17 kilometres of traffic jams, with the tracks lagging for up to 40 minutes.
These border controls are necessary, but have caused confusion, especially for transporters. Because they work to prevent the disease from invading the Czech Republic from Slovakia.
The country has not confirmed the FMD incident within its borders, but the threat from Slovakia, which tracked the outbreak into Hungary, remains significant. The increase in checks is expected to continue throughout the week, causing some inconvenience, but will ensure that the risk of further spread of disease is minimized.
As the threat of FMD looms even more, farmers, government authorities and transporters are working in unison to alleviate its spread.
