Foot and Mouth Disease Confirmed at Hungarian Farm
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed at a farm in Hungary, marking the first outbreak in the country in over 50 years. The disease was detected in a dairy herd located in the Gyor area, near the Slovak border.
This outbreak has raised concerns among the agricultural community and authorities due to the highly contagious nature of FMD and its potential economic impact.
The National Food Chain Safety Authority confirmed the presence of the pathogen after 1,400 head of cattle exhibited classic FMD symptoms. Chief Veterinary Officer Szabolcs Pásztor has ordered the immediate closure of the affected farm and initiated an epidemiological investigation to determine the source and extent of the outbreak. The Hungarian authorities have also imposed a ban on the transport of susceptible livestock to prevent the spread of the disease.
Foot-and-mouth disease primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs. It causes significant economic losses due to production declines and restrictions on international trade. The last reported case of FMD in Hungary was over half a century ago, making this outbreak particularly alarming for the country’s livestock industry.
In response to the outbreak, the UK government has announced an import ban on live animals, fresh meat, and meat products from Hungary and Slovakia. This precautionary measure aims to protect the UK’s livestock industry from potential exposure to the disease. Businesses involved in the import of these products have been advised to suspend their activities and seek further instructions from the Port Health Authority.
The Hungarian authorities are working diligently to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. The epidemiological investigation will provide crucial insights into the origin of the disease and help implement effective control measures.
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