Hungary Border Checks Amid Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak

Specifically at Rajka, Komárom, and Medve, which is closest to the outbreak area near Győr. Trucks are being stopped for checks, while passenger vehicles are allowed to proceed unimpeded.

The inspections are set to continue through today and are being carried out by the Slovak police in cooperation with the Slovak State Veterinary and Food Administration. The measures follow the identification of the foot-and-mouth disease virus at a cattle farm in Kisbajcs, Hungary.

Response to the Outbreak

Foot-and-mouth disease has reemerged in Hungary after more than 50 years. Initial symptoms were reported at the cattle farm in early March, leading to the culling of 1,700 animals. If even a single animal is confirmed to have the disease on a farm, all cloven-hoofed animals there must be destroyed, although transmission to humans is very rare.

In response to the outbreak, surveillance zones have been established on both sides of the border. Slovakia has designated several municipalities under these zones, including Medve and others in the Komárom and Dunajská Streda regions. Local authorities have communicated animal health measures to all affected farmers.

Recommendations for Farmers and the Public

Despite the outbreak, no signs of infection have been detected within Slovakia, as confirmed by negative test results. However, Slovak authorities urge farmers to closely monitor their livestock and report any health changes to their veterinarians immediately.

Additionally, the food safety authority recommends that the public avoid traveling to affected areas in Hungary and refrain from transporting live animals from those regions. It also advises against purchasing fresh red meat, raw milk, or dairy products from itinerant vendors, while assuring that retail food purchases pose no current risk.

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