In the shadow of bird flu: the Hungarian poultry sector amid restrictions and challenges

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 01. 28. 12:15

The avian influenza epidemic that emerged in Hungary in 2020 still has a significant impact on the domestic poultry sector. The virus has serious consequences not only for the flocks, but also for the export of Hungarian poultry products. In the past five years, several third countries have introduced import restrictions against Hungary, which significantly affect the economic situation of producers.

Massive restrictions hit Hungarian exports

Since the outbreak of the epidemic, several countries have completely banned the import of Hungarian poultry products, while others have only applied a ban to products originating from certain regions. South Korea, China, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman and several other countries have placed poultry products originating from the entire territory of Hungary on a ban list. These measures also affect the trade in poultry meat, hatching eggs, day-old chicks and live birds.

Some countries, such as Israel, have partially eased the restrictions, for example in the case of frozen poultry meat, if it comes from outside the affected epidemic zones. Other regions, such as the United Kingdom, only ban products from areas affected by the epidemic in EU member states.

Inflation and epidemic further aggravate the situation

The latest wave of the bird flu epidemic, which resurfaced in September 2024, affected areas never seen before in Hungary. By November, the virus was present in almost the entire country, leading to further export restrictions. In the past year, livestock farmers have reported significant deaths and economic losses in Bács-Kiskun, Hajdú-Bihar, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg and other counties.

Measures taken to contain the epidemic, such as the elimination of flocks and disinfection of stables, are lengthy and costly processes. The re-establishment of poultry farms in the affected areas is also subject to strict conditions, including official inspections and permits.

Economic Impact of the Epidemic

The economic damage caused by avian influenza affects not only livestock farmers but also the entire food chain. Due to export restrictions, many Hungarian poultry farmers have lost access to key markets. This is particularly problematic for the sector, as a significant part of the Hungarian poultry industry produces for export.

The situation is not only of concern from an economic but also from a food safety perspective. Animal health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation of wild birds and poultry flocks, but the virus is still present. The lifting of export bans is only possible if the epidemic is completely eliminated, which, given the current situation, may take a long time.
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