Hungary Declares FMD Outbreak Contained; EU Restrictions Lifted
Hungary Declares Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Contained; EU Restrictions Lifted
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – June 6, 2025 – Hungary’s farm minister, István Nagy, has announced that the country has successfully contained the recent Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, leading to the lifting of restrictions imposed by the European Union. This pivotal development for the Hungarian agricultural sector was reported by multiple outlets, including Global Banking and Finance Review (citing Reuters) and Agroberichten Buitenland.
According to Minister Nagy, there have been no new FMD outbreaks on affected farms for over a month and a half. Disinfection efforts are progressing rapidly, and preparations are underway for the repopulation of sites where animals had to be culled. “The virus is gone,” Nagy stated, indicating effective eradication measures.
The initial FMD case was reported on March 7, 2025, at a cattle farm in Kisbajcs, near the border with Slovakia. This led to subsequent infections on five farms in the region, prompting border closures and the mass slaughter of affected livestock to prevent further spread. The GOV.UK website noted that the UK, for instance, had imposed import bans on livestock and certain products from Hungary and Slovakia following the initial outbreak.
While the immediate crisis is over, authorities are still actively investigating the origins of the outbreak. Minister Nagy reiterated that various theories are being examined, including the possibility of a “biological attack,” a suggestion previously made by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff, as reported by Porkbusiness.com.
FMD, which poses no danger to humans, primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, causing fever and blisters. Outbreaks typically result in severe trade restrictions and extensive culling of livestock. The successful containment and subsequent lifting of EU restrictions are crucial steps towards the full recovery and stability of Hungary’s livestock industry.
Source: Reuters
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