BRATISLAVA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Slovakia's Agriculture Ministry announced Monday it has lifted the ban on moving animals susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease from a restricted zone in Hungary, following a slowdown in the disease's spread.
Movement rules within and beyond Slovak territory have also been eased. As of Monday, a serological blood test is required only when transferring animals between farms, the ministry said.
Slovakia declared a state of emergency on March 25 after confirming new cases of foot-and-mouth disease -- the first outbreak in 50 years. Border controls were imposed on April 8 and extended on May 8, with 17 small crossings remaining closed, including 16 on the Hungarian border and one with Austria. ■
