Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak Hits Slovakian Farm
Bratislava, Sunday, 30 March 2025.
FirstFarms A/S confirmed a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in Slovakia, affecting 3,487 animals. Local operations and regional supply chains may face serious disruptions from this development.
Immediate Response and Containment Measures
The Slovak authorities have swiftly implemented their outbreak contingency plan at FirstFarms’ facility in Plavecký Stvrtok, including immediate farm closure and isolation protocols [1]. This marks the fifth FMD outbreak in Slovakia this year, with the first case recorded on March 22, 2025 [1]. The affected facility, housing 3,487 animals, is currently under strict quarantine measures, with vaccination efforts already underway to prevent further spread of the disease [1].
Economic Implications and Insurance Coverage
FirstFarms maintains comprehensive livestock insurance coverage across all its operations, though operating losses are not included in the policy [1]. The company is anticipating support through national schemes backed by EU funding to help mitigate the financial impact [1]. The outbreak affects one of FirstFarms’ eight cattle and pig operations in Slovakia, with continuous testing being conducted across all facilities to monitor for potential spread [1].
Disease Characteristics and Transmission Risk
Foot and Mouth Disease represents one of the most severe infectious diseases affecting livestock [1]. While the disease cannot be transmitted to humans [1], it poses a significant risk to all cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, wild ruminants, sheep, and goats [GPT]. Human activity can serve as a vector for transmission between animals through both direct and indirect contact, necessitating strict biosecurity protocols [1].
Regional Impact and Monitoring
FirstFarms has implemented heightened safety regulations across all its Slovak operations since the initial detection of symptoms [2]. The company’s strategic response includes continuous monitoring of all herds, with particular attention to potential cross-contamination risks [1]. The situation remains under close observation, with no additional cases reported in FirstFarms’ other facilities as of March 30, 2025 [1].