Tourists told to expect ‘delays’ at European border checks to ‘prevent spread of disease’
Tourists crossing from Hungary into Austria and Slovakia face delays at border checkpoints due to enhanced controls implemented.
Additional checks have been put in place to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease. The disease affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cows and sheep, and while it poses no danger to humans and they cannot contract it, they can inadvertently spread it on their belongings.
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), these additional measures may result in “closures or delays” at road borders between Hungary and its northern neighbours.
The Hungarian Police have issued a statement warning travelers about the border situation.
Border checks have been implemented from Hungary into Austria and Slovakia
GETTY
It said: “Longer waiting times can be expected at operating border crossings. We would like to remind travelers and commuters to constantly monitor the official police website when planning their trip due to the introduced border traffic suspension.
“If their trip can be postponed, they should consider departing later. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”
The news follows a travel warning issued for Slovakia following the confirmation of foot and mouth disease in four municipalities within the Dunajská Streda district in Slovakia.
On March 25 the Slovakian Government declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak, implementing temporary measures to control its spread.
Slovakia warned that the outbreak could have “significant economic impacts”. However, visitors were assured that “it does not pose a danger to humans and is not a risk to public health”.
To prevent the disease from spreading, the FCDO told tourists: “People are advised to avoid visiting farms and forests in affected areas and to follow strict hygiene measures.”
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service explained that foot and mouth disease causes fever and blister-like sores in affected animals’ mouths, feet, and sometimes teats.
As a highly contagious viral disease, it poses a significant threat to livestock populations in the region.
The border checks have been implemented to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease
GETTY
In other travel news, the FCDO has updated its travel advice for Austria, sharing new updates on the country’s terror threat.
Britons visiting the central European destination were warned that terrorists are “likely to try to carry out attacks” in the country.
Officials cautioned that terrorist attacks in Austria “could be indiscriminate” and might target locations frequented by foreign nationals.
The FCDO highlighted several potential targets for attacks, including public transport and national and international transport hubs. Music, sporting and cultural events are also considered at risk.
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