Austria has announced the closure of small border crossings with Slovakia in response to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in its neighboring country.

This measure is aimed at mitigating the spread of the disease and protecting Austria's livestock sector.

Ulrich Königspurger-Ludwig, State Secretary in the Austrian Ministry of Health, confirmed that a list of small border crossings designated for closure is being finalized by the Ministry of the Interior.

The precautionary measures will focus on border points where it is challenging to implement necessary health and safety protocols.

However, major border crossings with Slovakia will continue to operate normally.

Foot-and-mouth disease has recently spread in Slovakia, with no evidence to date showing that it has crossed into Austria.

Nonetheless, there has been a rising chorus of calls within Austria for more stringent measures to address potential risks associated with the outbreak.