Britons have been issued a fresh travel warning following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Slovakia.
The viral disease affects cloven-hoofed livestock such as cattle, sheep and pigs, and is highly contagious among these animals.
The foot and mouth disease epidemic has been confirmed in four municipalities within the Dunajská Streda district in Slovakia.
On March 25, 2025, the Government of the Slovak Republic declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak, implementing temporary measures to control its spread.
Slovakia has reported an outbreak of foot and mouth disease
GETTYThe Slovak Republic warned that the outbreak could have "significant economic impacts". However, visitors were assured that "it does not pose a danger to humans and is not a risk to public health".
Holidays in Slovakia could be impacted, though, with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warning Britons that there could be "increased vehicle inspection measures" on the Czech, Austrian, Hungarian and Polish borders.
However, visitors were told that this will mainly target freight vehicles.
To prevent the disease from spreading, the FCDO told tourists: "People are advised to avoid visiting farms and forests in affected areas and to follow strict hygiene measures."
Britons can find further details about the emergency measures via the Slovak Republic's official public website.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service explained that foot and mouth disease causes fever and blister-like sores in affected animals' mouths, feet, and sometimes teats.
As a highly contagious viral disease, it poses a significant threat to livestock populations in the region.
Regarding the emergency measures, the Slovak Republic described these as "necessary" to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease throughout the territory.
These measures remain in full effect across the country's borders and affected regions.
In other travel news, the FCDO also updated its advice for British nationals visiting the Maldives, which is widely considered a bucket list holiday destination.
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Britons could face increased vehicle inspection measures in Slovakia
GETTYIts latest advisory focused on the high risk of piracy during sea travel in the region, ongoing terrorism threats, and cultural considerations.
The FCDO warned that there is a "high risk of piracy and armed robbery" in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
Officials noted that attacks have occurred on local fishing sailing vessels (dhows) in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa.
