On March 23, 2025, the disaster aid unit of the Austrian Federal Army, Afdru (Austrian Forces Disces Relief Unit) was alerted as part of the EU disaster protection mechanism. Due to a severe outbreak of the mouth and claw disease, several thousand cattle have to be killed and disposed of in the affected areas of Dunajská Streda and Komárno, Slovakia. After Slovakia asked for international help, the Bundesheer immediately started preparations for the mission. The planned start of use is set tomorrow, March 26, 2025. The task of the specialists of the Federal Army is to support the local emergency services in containing and thus prevent the expansion of the plague. A total of 52 soldiers are used for this.
“The rapid and professional support of the Austrian army once again shows that we are a reliable partner in international disaster protection. Combating the mouth and claw disease requires coordinated measures to contain them and the affected regions. will provide the necessary help in close cooperation with the Slovak authorities, ”emphasizes Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.
“A good neighborhood requires quick action. Therefore, I welcome the Austrian army to support the Slovak authorities with its expertise in coping with the mouth and claw disease.
“The mouth and claw disease does not stop at boundaries – all the more important is a close European cooperation. The use of the Federal Army in Slovakia is a central part of our joint efforts to prevent the expansion of the plague. We thank the federal army and all the forces used for their quick and professional contribution. Stricter organic security measures in particularly sensitive areas.
The highest priority – the protection of soldiers, civilians and the population, as well as the preventing contamination of contamination to Austria, has top priority.
The Federal Army sends 52 people (including 1 woman), who with 18 vehicles, including six special vehicles, and gets into the Dunajská Streda area. This area is located about 40 km southeast of the Kittsee border crossing.
With this Afdru Dekontamamation team, the Federal Army presents the EU’s only available certified element in this area. This element was also successfully used in autumn 2024 at the outbreak of bird flu in Lower Austria. Experience from this use enables efficient and high -quality implementation of the necessary measures in Slovakia.
AFDRU
The Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit (AFDRU) is a special unit of the Federal Army for Disaster Aid Ups at home and abroad. It specializes in technical assistance, decontamination measures and humanitarian support and part of the European civil protection mechanism. AFDRU has extensive experience in international missions and, with its expertise, makes a significant contribution to the protection of the population in crisis situations.