FMD: new border restrictions between Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary

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Authorities in Central Europe have imposed new restrictions on cross-border freight transport in response to a recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) detected on multiple farms in Slovakia and Hungary.

From 26 March, only four major border crossings between the Czech Republic and Slovakia remain open to freight vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. These selected routes — equipped with disinfection mats — are:

  • Mosty u Jablunkova / Svrčinovec (I/68, E75)
  • Bílá-Bumbálka / Makov (I/35)
  • Břeclav / Brodské (D2 motorway)
  • Starý Hrozenkov / Drietoma (I/50)

All other Czech-Slovak crossings are temporarily closed to heavier freight traffic in an effort to curb the spread of the highly contagious livestock disease. Authorities are also stepping up inspections both at the border and inland.

Transporters of susceptible animals, animal by-products, germinal products, or uncooked animal products from Slovakia and Hungary are required to present documentation proving vehicle disinfection and shipment origin. In addition, vehicles carrying live animals from outbreak zones within the last 21 days must show proof of disinfection before loading, and breeders must maintain entry logs for 12 months.

Entry into livestock facilities is prohibited for individuals who have been in FMD-restricted zones in Slovakia or Hungary within the past 21 days.

Slovak-Hungarian border closures Meanwhile, Slovakia has closed its minor border crossings with Hungary until further notice. As of 27 March, five major crossings remain open for freight transport over 3.5 tonnes: Rajka–Rusovce, Medveďov–Vámosszabadi, Komárno–Komárom, Štúrovo–Esztergom, and Šahy–Parassapuszta. However, the transport of animals susceptible to FMD is only permitted via the Šahy–Parassapuszta crossing.

Disinfection gates are being installed at these high-capacity crossings to help prevent further spread of the disease.

Timeline of foot-and-mouth disease restrictions in Central Europe The following timeline outlines the key measures introduced by Central European countries in response to the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease.

  • 6 March 2025 – Hungary confirms an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on a cattle farm in Kisbajcs near the Slovak border. Approximately 1,400 animals are affected.
  • 7 March 2025 – Hungary imposes nationwide transport restrictions on all susceptible livestock and bans exports of such animals and related products. Protection and surveillance zones are established around the outbreak area.
  • 8 March 2025 – Poland installs disinfection stations at border crossings with Slovakia and bans imports of susceptible animals and products from Hungary and selected Slovak regions.
  • 21 March 2025 – The Czech Republic introduces border checks and bans imports of susceptible animals and raw animal products from Slovakia. Strict controls and heavy fines for non-compliance are announced.
  • 25 March 2025 – Slovakia confirms new FMD cases on multiple farms. The Czech Republic tightens restrictions and enhances inspections on the Slovak border.
  • 26 March 2025 – Slovakia closes several minor border crossings with Hungary until further notice. Disinfection gates are introduced at major crossings. A new FMD outbreak is reported near Levél, close to Mosonmagyaróvár in Hungary.
  • 27 March 2025 – Only four major Czech-Slovak border crossings remain open to freight over 3.5 tonnes, all equipped with disinfection mats.
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