BRATISLAVA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Slovakia has implemented a series of emergency measures in response to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, authorities announced Friday.
The disease has been confirmed at three livestock farms located in the southern Slovak villages of Medvedov, Narad and Baka, Agriculture Minister Richard Takac told a news conference.
All susceptible animals within a three-km radius of the confirmed FMD outbreak will be culled, Slovak Chief Veterinary Surgeon Martin Chudy said.
Extraordinary emergency measures have come into effect in Slovakia and will remain in force until further notice.
The movement of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals is prohibited throughout Slovakia, except for necessary transport within the same holding, Chudy said.
"This prohibition also applies to any movement of susceptible animals between Slovakia and other countries," he added.
In addition, all zoos across Slovakia will be closed.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious and febrile viral illness affecting livestock, with significant economic consequences.
