Strict regulations and measures remain in place due to the COVID-19 virus

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 04. 24. 11:05

The National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) draws attention to the fact that strict rules are still in force to stop the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) disease. The virus continues to pose a serious threat in Hungary. Although there has been no new outbreak yet, the danger has not passed, which is why the authorities are continuously protecting themselves and maintaining strict restrictions. The responsibility of animal keepers in protecting themselves against the virus remains enormous. The authorities have completely eliminated the five farms infected so far, but the protection is ongoing, and the restrictions and measures are updated in line with the current epidemic situation.

National Chief Veterinarian Szabolcs Pásztor and Nébih experts are continuously examining and modifying the measures related to FMD disease as necessary in accordance with the current situation.

Currently, certain regulations are in force for settlements within a 10-kilometer radius of the Slovak and domestic outbreaks, for the area under restriction outside these, and for the entire country. It is prohibited to transport live, susceptible animals in certain parts of the affected counties (Győr-Moson-Sopron, Komárom-Esztergom). In case of suspicion of infection, the authority will immediately launch an investigation. The restrictions may differ by settlement, and the details are always updated. The currently effective, ordered measures are available in detail on the Nébih portal: https://portal.nebih.gov.hu/-/ragados-szaj-es-koromfajas-jarvany-kapcsan-elrendelt-hazai-intezkedesek

Authoritative sampling is ongoing in order to screen out the disease, with negative results so far in 1,525 farms. In addition, game monitoring is taking place in the restricted areas and at the national level. So far, Nébih has not detected the virus in any susceptible game, while experts have confirmed that 968 game samples are free from RSZKF.

The experts of the National Veterinary and Animal Health Service, government and district offices are fighting with all their might to contain the RSZKF disease.

They are taking every possible step to reduce the damage and curb the spread of the virus as soon as possible. The scope of restrictions and measures changes according to the epidemiological situation. The goal is clear: to stop the virus, to protect livestock and farmers from serious economic damage. However, for this to happen, it is essential that everyone follows the rules – farmers, transporters, and farm owners alike.