The plague of small ruminants virus has been detected in Zala County

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 01. 27. 10:37

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The laboratory of the National Food Chain Safety Authority (Nébih) has detected the plague of small ruminants virus in the settlement of Szentgyörgyvölgy in Zala County. The disease has not previously occurred in Hungary; the infected animals were transported to the country from a collection station in Romania, Nébih told MTI.

The eradication of the affected herd has already begun, and until further notice, it is prohibited to import shipments of small ruminants – sheep and goats – from Romania to Hungary. In order to contain the infection, the animal health authority has designated a protection zone with a radius of 3 kilometers, as well as a surveillance and observation zone with a radius of 10 kilometers and extending into the territory of Slovenia. Immediate screening tests are being carried out among sheep and goats in the affected areas.

Peste des petits ruminants, which affects sheep and goats, is of viral origin and is associated with severe symptoms such as fever and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and digestive tract. This disease is notifiable and can cause significant economic damage to livestock farmers, especially in the event of an outbreak.

The infected animals were imported into Hungary from a collection point in Romania on 15 January. After the outbreak of the disease, the authorities immediately took the necessary steps to contain the outbreak and prevent further infections.