FMD appeared in a dairy farm in Rábapordány

By: STA Date: 2025. 04. 17. 09:15

The presence of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus was confirmed by the National Food Chain Safety Authority (Nébih) laboratory on a farm in Rábapordány on April 17. One cow from the herd of about 600 animals showed symptoms of the disease during milking on the morning of the 17th. The suspicion was confirmed by the Nébih laboratory by the afternoon, so the strictest official measures came into effect immediately. The area under further restriction was expanded to include new settlements, and the national chief veterinarian ordered a movement restriction for susceptible animals until midnight on April 21.

(Photo: Pixabay)

On April 17, a cow showed symptoms of FMD during morning milking in a dairy farm in Rábapordány. Experts from the animal health authority also noticed symptoms in another cow. The farm was immediately placed under observation and sampling, and contact tracing was initiated. The Nébih laboratory confirmed the presence of the disease on the afternoon of the 17th. Vaccination began as a matter of urgency in the 600-animal herd, and animals showing symptoms were killed. The killing of the remaining animals will also begin as soon as possible, expectedly on the morning of the 18th, in order to minimize virus shedding.

The authority has set up a protection and observation zone around the outbreak, in which stricter regulations have come into effect

The experts will immediately begin the census, i.e. the counting of susceptible animals, and sampling will also be carried out from these herds. Dr. Szabolcs Pásztor, the national chief veterinarian, has also ordered the expansion of the area under further restriction towards Vas and Veszprém counties. Based on the decision of the national chief veterinarian, the movement of susceptible animals in the district is prohibited until midnight on April 21.

The epidemiological investigation has been launched

The authorities are primarily focusing on tracing the contact farms associated with the infected farms, but they are also investigating the possible source of the infection. Based on the information available so far, the appearance of the virus cannot be traced back to previous outbreaks. Sampling was carried out on March 11 and 23 at the dairy farm, and on April 4, 9 and 10 at the pig farm associated with it, all of which gave negative results. This latest case also confirms the aggressive spread of RSZKF. Animal keepers have a huge responsibility in protecting their own animals and all animal farms, and in stopping the spread of the virus. Our authorities are inspecting animal farms nationwide.

Nébih