Nébih: Official measures have been introduced in Hungary due to the foot-and-mouth disease in Slovakia

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 03. 21. 11:03

The national chief veterinarian has introduced official measures after foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus was identified in Slovakia near the Hungarian border, the National Food Chain Safety Authority (Nébih) told MTI on Friday.

According to the statement, the Slovak authorities detected the presence of the pathogen in cattle herds in three farms near the Hungarian border, one in Medve, one in Csiliznyárad and one in Baka.

National chief veterinarian Dr. Szabolcs Pásztor immediately confirmed the previously ordered official measures and ordered the necessary official measures in cross-border restriction areas to prevent the further spread of the disease, which causes serious economic damage, in Hungary. Thus, the existing domestic restrictions will remain in force.

The statement reminded that foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects cloven-hoofed animals (e.g. cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, buffaloes, wild ruminants). The main symptoms of the disease include fever, loss of appetite, salivation and the appearance of blisters in the mouth and on the feet.

Foot-and-mouth disease is very rarely transmitted to humans, but due to its extremely high contagiousness and rapid spread in livestock, its appearance has serious economic consequences. Infected animals cannot be treated, so if the disease is confirmed in even one animal on a farm, all cloven-hoofed animals must be eliminated.