Another cattle farm confirmed to have foot-and-mouth disease

(Photo: Pixabay)

István Nagy said that the virus appeared in Rábapordány in Győr-Moson-Sopron County. Following the report of the suspicious case, the animal health authority immediately took a sample, and the infection was confirmed by the laboratory test results in the afternoon. The farm was immediately placed under lockdown, and measures according to the epidemiological protocol have begun. The animals are being vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus, and a 3-kilometer protection zone and a 10-kilometer observation zone have been designated. It is expected that the areas under restriction will also be expanded. The veterinary authority’s staff is preparing to cull the entire herd, around 600 dairy cows, on site. He added that the epidemiological investigation has begun in order to find any omissions and possible contact farms, and in the protection zones, they will immediately begin to count susceptible animals and take samples from the herds. The minister again emphasized that foot-and-mouth disease is not dangerous to humans and does not threaten the safety of the food chain. Experts are taking all necessary steps to prevent the virus from spreading further – said István Nagy, at the same time asking animal keepers and everyone involved to strictly adhere to the precautions and monitor the health of the animals with increased attention. This virus is extremely contagious, it can lie dormant for up to 2 weeks, so the responsibility of animal keepers is therefore significant – he emphasized.

MTI