Hungary confirms foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in cattle

HUNGARY – The government of Hungary has reported its first case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in more than 50 years, marking a significant development for the country’s livestock industry. 

The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed the outbreak on March 7, citing Hungarian authorities. The disease was detected on a 1,400-head cattle farm in Gyor, a city in the northwest bordering Slovakia.

According to Hungary’s National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih), the farm exhibited classic FMD symptoms in early March. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the virus, prompting immediate containment measures to this disease that was last recorded in the country in 1973. 

National Chief Veterinarian Dr. Szabolcs Pásztor swiftly ordered the closure of the farm and launched an epidemiological investigation.

To prevent further spread, authorities have implemented strict control measures, including a ban on the transport of susceptible livestock. 

“Extremely strict official measures will be implemented, including a ban on the transport of susceptible live animal species,” Nébih stated.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. It causes fever, painful mouth blisters, reduced milk production, and severe economic losses for farmers. 

While the disease does not pose a direct risk to human health, humans can act as carriers through contaminated clothing, footwear, and equipment.

Germany experiences similar woes 

Hungary’s outbreak follows a similar case in Germany, which reported its first FMD outbreak in nearly four decades on January 10. The disease was detected in a herd of water buffalo in Märkisch-Oderland, Brandenburg, near Berlin. 

The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Germany’s National Reference Laboratory for FMD, led containment efforts, and within a month, the outbreak was controlled.

Despite the swift response, Germany faced serious repercussions. Several countries, including the UK, South Korea, and Mexico, imposed bans on German meat and dairy imports. 

Additionally, precautionary measures such as animal culling and temporary zoo closures were enacted to prevent further spread.

However, it is highly unlikely that the outbreaks in the two countries are related and the disease spread from Germany to Hungary. 

“Hungary does not share a border with Germany; FMD-affected animals are approximately 475 miles apart,” the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) said in a statement. 

Authorities in Hungary continue to monitor the situation closely, urging farmers to remain alert for symptoms and follow strict biosecurity protocols. 

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