Animals Found Underground: MP Holečková Launches Police Investigation
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Slovakia’s foot-and-Mouth disease Outbreak and Concerns Over Carcass Disposal in Levice
Table of Contents
Updated November 3, 2025, 18:04:29 EST
What Happened?
In March 2025, Slovakia experienced an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), officially confirmed on March 21st, after more than half a century. The initial cases were detected on farms in southern Slovakia, prompting a nationwide response focused on culling infected livestock to prevent further spread. The Slovak Veterinary and Food Administration (ŠVPS) confirmed the outbreak on their official website.
The government’s strategy involved the complete culling of affected farms. However, the subsequent disposal of the carcasses raised notable concerns, particularly regarding potential environmental contamination. Specifically, reports emerged that dead animals were being buried within the grounds of a military training area in Levice.
The Levice Burial Site and Public Concerns
On April 1st, 2025, sas (Freedom and Solidarity) Member of Parliament Martina Holečková publicly questioned the practise of burying animal carcasses at the military training ground in Levice. She raised concerns about the potential for polluting local water sources, specifically wells, due to the decomposition of the buried animals. Aktuality.sk reported on her concerns, highlighting the potential risks to public health and the environment.
The Levites, local residents, expressed worry about the potential contamination of their wells, a crucial water source for the community.The authorities’ handling of the situation, including the choice of burial site and the lack of transparent communication, fueled these anxieties. As of late October 2025, questions regarding the long-term environmental impact and the rationale behind the disposal method remain unanswered.
Official Response and Investigations
The Slovak Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has stated that the burial method was chosen in accordance with European Union regulations for animal disease control. However, critics argue that the specific location within the military training ground was not adequately assessed for its potential environmental impact. Agropress.sk reported that the Ministry maintains all procedures were followed.
As of November 3, 2025, no official independent environmental impact assessment of the levice burial site has been publicly released. Local authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing, but the timeline for completion and the scope of the investigation remain unclear.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 21, 2025 | First confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in Slovakia after over 50 years. |
| april 1, 2025 | MP Martina Holečková raises concerns about carcass burial in Levice. |
| October 2025 | Local residents express ongoing concerns about well water contamination. |
| November 3, 2025 | No official environmental impact assessment released; investigations ongoing. |