Dark Liquids Emerge from Burying Sites of Culled Cattle in Csemeztanya Amidst FMD Outbreak
Concerning footage surfaces online as health officials provide updates on the disposal of livestock affected by foot-and-mouth disease.
Recently circulated videos allegedly show the site in Csemeztanya, near Hegyeshalom, where approximately 3,000 cattle were culled due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
In one video, the creator enters a cordoned-off area, revealing several cattle carcasses on the surface of the ground.
Another clip depicts dark liquid bubbling up from relatively loose, sandy soil in multiple spots.
The videos, which gained traction on local Facebook groups and TikTok, do not show any individuals present at the scene, and there are no security personnel visible, although work vehicles remain on site.
Local residents have expressed concerns that animals such as foxes could unearth the carcasses and potentially spread the disease further.
Contrary to the situation depicted in the videos, the area was reported to be inaccessible on Sunday afternoon, as security personnel reportedly barricaded entry to the site.
Multiple news crews were present at the location during the afternoon.
In response to inquiries, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed in an official statement that the site was indeed enclosed, acknowledging that the decomposing cattle would result in visible effects such as those shown in the videos.
Dr. Szabolcs Pásztor, the national chief veterinarian, emphasized the importance of adhering to animal health regulations to control the spread of the contagious foot-and-mouth disease virus.
He noted that unauthorized individuals must not access the designated area; failure to comply could result in criminal charges and imprisonment.
Dr. Pásztor further stated that the management of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is proceeding in an orderly fashion, with the disposal of the culled animals ongoing at the designated site.
According to the Ministry's statement, it will take several days before the mentioned pit can be completely sealed.
Following burial, the carcasses undergo anaerobic decomposition, breaking down into minerals and organic materials.
This process generates gases and liquids— the former being expelled from the soil and the latter being absorbed by materials placed between the layers, such as several tons of straw.
During the removal process, the surfaces of the carcasses have been disinfected, but the decomposition of a large number of carcasses simultaneously creates significant quantities of these byproducts.
Dr. Pásztor highlighted that the disposal area has been under surveillance and emphasized the need for strict compliance with regulations to effectively control the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
He reiterated that unauthorized access to the restricted area is a criminal offense that could carry penalties of imprisonment.
Csemeztanya, situated approximately 4 kilometers from Hegyeshalom, is part of the larger municipality.
Local residents expressed their concerns when it was revealed that a portion of the culled animals from Győr-Moson-Sopron County would be buried in their vicinity.
Approximately 100 individuals reside in Csemeztanya, relying on well water for their supply, as the area lacks a sewage system, leading many to worry that the burial site may compromise their water source.
Last Sunday, Minister of Agriculture István Nagy visited Csemeztanya to address residents' fears and assured them that drinking water and sewage systems would be developed in the area, with roadways also being repaired.
Monitoring wells for water quality are planned, and the site will be designated as a disposal ground and fenced off.
During his visit, Minister Nagy reported that there had been no further outbreaks in the county.
In one video, the creator enters a cordoned-off area, revealing several cattle carcasses on the surface of the ground.
Another clip depicts dark liquid bubbling up from relatively loose, sandy soil in multiple spots.
The videos, which gained traction on local Facebook groups and TikTok, do not show any individuals present at the scene, and there are no security personnel visible, although work vehicles remain on site.
Local residents have expressed concerns that animals such as foxes could unearth the carcasses and potentially spread the disease further.
Contrary to the situation depicted in the videos, the area was reported to be inaccessible on Sunday afternoon, as security personnel reportedly barricaded entry to the site.
Multiple news crews were present at the location during the afternoon.
In response to inquiries, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed in an official statement that the site was indeed enclosed, acknowledging that the decomposing cattle would result in visible effects such as those shown in the videos.
Dr. Szabolcs Pásztor, the national chief veterinarian, emphasized the importance of adhering to animal health regulations to control the spread of the contagious foot-and-mouth disease virus.
He noted that unauthorized individuals must not access the designated area; failure to comply could result in criminal charges and imprisonment.
Dr. Pásztor further stated that the management of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is proceeding in an orderly fashion, with the disposal of the culled animals ongoing at the designated site.
According to the Ministry's statement, it will take several days before the mentioned pit can be completely sealed.
Following burial, the carcasses undergo anaerobic decomposition, breaking down into minerals and organic materials.
This process generates gases and liquids— the former being expelled from the soil and the latter being absorbed by materials placed between the layers, such as several tons of straw.
During the removal process, the surfaces of the carcasses have been disinfected, but the decomposition of a large number of carcasses simultaneously creates significant quantities of these byproducts.
Dr. Pásztor highlighted that the disposal area has been under surveillance and emphasized the need for strict compliance with regulations to effectively control the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
He reiterated that unauthorized access to the restricted area is a criminal offense that could carry penalties of imprisonment.
Csemeztanya, situated approximately 4 kilometers from Hegyeshalom, is part of the larger municipality.
Local residents expressed their concerns when it was revealed that a portion of the culled animals from Győr-Moson-Sopron County would be buried in their vicinity.
Approximately 100 individuals reside in Csemeztanya, relying on well water for their supply, as the area lacks a sewage system, leading many to worry that the burial site may compromise their water source.
Last Sunday, Minister of Agriculture István Nagy visited Csemeztanya to address residents' fears and assured them that drinking water and sewage systems would be developed in the area, with roadways also being repaired.
Monitoring wells for water quality are planned, and the site will be designated as a disposal ground and fenced off.
During his visit, Minister Nagy reported that there had been no further outbreaks in the county.
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