Irish holidaymakers warned as highly contagious disease sweeps across Europe

Irish holidaymakers gearing up for breaks across the Easter period have been warned as the highly contagious foot and mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in some European countries.

The Department of Agriculture in Ireland has said they are on 'high alert' following confirmation from Slovakia that cases of the disease, which seriously affects animals like cattle, sheep and pigs, have been detected.

Slovakia is the third EU country to confirm cases of FMD along with Hungary and Germany.

Although FMD won't seriously affect human health, it can be disastrous for livestock, resulting in mass culling and export bans. FMD in humans is different to animal FMD, and both cannot be transmitted to each other, but rare cases have been reported over the years.

Human FMD results in fever, blisters on the hand and/or the feet mouth. It usually goes away by itself within 7 t0 10 days.

Animal FMD however, can be extremely painful for animals and last for months. Animals that have FMD are usually culled instantly to protect the rest of the flock and from human consumption.

The Irish Government are prepared for immediate emergency actions like establishing lockdown zones and enforcing a national movement ban, if the disease is detected here.

Officials in Slovakia say they have ramped up inspections of transport vehicles at their borders but say they are worried as the disease has shown up in three different cattle herds across the country.

Ireland has retained its FMD-free status since 2021 so the Department of Agriculture are quickly establishing precautionary measures to safeguard the country against the highly infectious disease.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon has said the rise of the disease across Europe is "very concerning" and has issued a call to action for Irish citizens that may have travelled to Slovakia, Hungary and Germany with authorities stating "no effort will be spared to prevent potential risks".

"The news of three outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Slovakia today is very concerning", said Minister Heydon, "I know this is a terrible blow to Slovak farmers and their agri-food industry."

"Given the highly contagious nature of the FMD virus I urge everyone in Ireland, particularly farmers, to continue to stay vigilant and protect our livestock.

"Those travelling to Ireland from FMD affected countries should take every precaution not to bring the disease with them via contaminated meat, dairy and materials such as clothing, shoes and equipment."

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