Belarus Imposes Temporary Ban on Slovak Livestock Imports Following Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak

The ban applies to the import of:

• Cattle, small ruminants, pigs, reindeer, and susceptible wild, zoo, and exotic animals, including camels and related species such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas;

• Genetic material such as semen and embryos from these animals;

• Meat, milk, and any products derived from the above-listed animals.

Additionally, the restrictions include:

• Feed and feed additives of both plant and animal origin;

• Hunting trophies from susceptible animal species.

The measure follows an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease reported earlier in March at a dairy farm in Hungary, near the Slovak border. On March 21, Slovak veterinary authorities officially confirmed the presence of the virus within their territory.

Experts at Russia’s Federal Center for Animal Health (FGBU “VNIIZh”) warn that the virus could potentially spread to neighboring countries, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.

Belarusian authorities emphasize that the restrictions are strictly preventive, aimed at safeguarding national biosecurity and preventing the introduction of the virus into the country.