Important measure to support the eradication of the avian influenza epidemic

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The regular appearance of the avian influenza virus causes serious losses for the entire Hungarian poultry sector. The geographical density of waterfowl flocks is a fundamental risk factor for the extent and management of epidemics. The majority of bird flu outbreaks occur in Bács-Kiskun, Békés and Csongrád-Csanád counties, where the density of poultry farms is typically high. The aim of the support is to reduce the risk of bird flu epidemics, which primarily affects waterfowl farms, by reducing the density of farms. According to the decree already published in the Hungarian Gazette, the program, with a budget of over 2 billion forints, offers compensation support to the small farmers most exposed to the risks for a three-year suspension of their production activities. Along with the suspension of production, the farmer must also undertake not to keep any poultry in the designated area, not to establish new poultry farms in the areas most affected by bird flu, and not to establish new waterfowl farms throughout the country. In addition, no one else may keep poultry in the area affected by the cessation of production.

Beneficiaries may submit an application for support for one or more of their farms located in the eligible settlement

The basis of the support is the useful area of ​​the barn on the waterfowl holding site indicated in the support application, expressed in square meters. The support that can be applied for per enterprise is determined by taking into account the maximum amount of EUR 50 thousand and the free small amount of support available to the applicant. Applications can be submitted between July 1 and July 31, 2025, using the electronic form developed for this purpose by the Hungarian State Treasury. The support decision will be made in the order in which the applications are received. The waterfowl holders who apply will receive the support no later than November 15, 2025. The termination of the farm at the holding site must be reported to the breeding authority within 60 days of the payment of the support. It is important to mention that the measure could significantly reduce the number of avian influenza outbreaks, as well as reduce the negative market effects and disease control restrictions on the poultry sector.

AM