Hungary is officially free from bovine brucellosis

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Bovine brucellosis is classified by the European Union as a category B disease, for which all Member States are required to implement the exemption. National eradication programmes for bovine brucellosis already existed in Hungary, which created a favourable animal health situation for obtaining the current EU exemption. The Hungarian veterinary authority submitted an application to the European Commission for approval of a three-year eradication plan aligned with EU regulations, which the Commission adopted in February 2022. It was not possible to apply for the exemption directly, as the herds could not be proven to be free without the full implementation of the control tests required by EU legislation. As a result of the successful implementation of the domestic exemption programme over the past three years, the entire territory of Hungary was granted an officially free status for Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis and Brucella suis in cattle herds, based on Implementing Regulation 2026/293, which entered into force in February 2026.

Achieving the exemption provides significant advantages for Hungary

The number of annual monitoring tests is reduced, and a preliminary brucellosis blood test is not required for domestic and intra-EU cattle transports. In addition, many third countries can also set lighter export requirements. As a result, international trade becomes simpler, which is in the common interest of all actors in the cattle sector. Preventing the introduction of the disease and consistently complying with disease control and animal health regulations remain of paramount importance. Only by taking joint responsibility can Hungary maintain its long-term freedom from bovine brucellosis.

Nébih