Hungary regains its official status as free from plague of small ruminants

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István Nagy said that the cases that appeared at the end of January on 3 sheep farms in Zala County were contained, thus stopping the further spread of the infection, and since then, experts have not confirmed a single new case. That is why the animal health authority lifted the last protection and surveillance zone on March 3, and the areas subject to further restrictions from April 2. The Minister of Agriculture added that the authority submitted the request for exemption to the World Organisation for Animal Health, as required by the regulations, 6 months after the final disinfection of the last affected farm, which the world organisation accepted. This restored Hungary’s official status as free from PPR, which significantly contributes to the smooth running of trade. The Minister of Agriculture drew attention to the fact that prevention and continuous preparedness remain of paramount importance. The role of livestock keepers is crucial in the strict and consistent observance of epidemiological regulations, as this is the only way to minimise the possibility of new introduction of diseases into livestock.

AM