Hungarian Zoos Close Petting Areas Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak
In response to the identification of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease virus in Hungary, several zoos have suspended petting activities as a precautionary measure.
In light of the recent identification of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease virus (Ruminant Foot-and-Mouth Disease, RSzKF) at a cattle farm in Kisbajc, authorities in Hungary have implemented strict measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
The detection was reported by the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) last Friday, prompting immediate action from the national chief veterinarian, Dr. Szabolcs Pásztor, who ordered the closure of the farm and initiated an epidemiological investigation.
As a result of these measures, all farms in Győr-Moson-Sopron County that host cloven-hoofed animals, including the Győr Zoo, have been shut down.
Subsequently, major zoos across the country announced the temporary closure of their petting areas, where direct interactions between visitors and animals occur.
The Fővárosi Állat- és Növénykert (Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden) was among the first to announce this decision.
Dr. Endre Sós, the zoo's director of nature conservation and animal health, confirmed that the closure of the petting areas was a precautionary choice made independently by the zoo management.
He noted that the facility welcomes approximately 1.1 million visitors annually, and the risk of transferring the virus through contaminated objects, such as clothing, is significant.
The petting areas feature animals that are susceptible to the virus, hence the precautionary closure.
Dr. Sós emphasized that there have been no reported cases of illness within the zoo, nor has there been any mandate for sanctions, as the zoo is adequately situated away from the outbreak's epicenter.
He reiterated that the closure was deemed a responsible decision.
The Nyíregyházi Állatpark (Nyíregyháza Animal Park) has also responded to the ongoing outbreak.
Director László Gajdos indicated that they too have closed their petting area, which will remain shut until at least March 17, aligning with the end of the quarantine period.
Strict entry protocols have been established, requiring all visitors and vehicles to pass through a disinfection mat before entering the park premises.
Further inquiries were made to the Szeged Zoo regarding their response to the situation, but a reply is pending.
The detection was reported by the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) last Friday, prompting immediate action from the national chief veterinarian, Dr. Szabolcs Pásztor, who ordered the closure of the farm and initiated an epidemiological investigation.
As a result of these measures, all farms in Győr-Moson-Sopron County that host cloven-hoofed animals, including the Győr Zoo, have been shut down.
Subsequently, major zoos across the country announced the temporary closure of their petting areas, where direct interactions between visitors and animals occur.
The Fővárosi Állat- és Növénykert (Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden) was among the first to announce this decision.
Dr. Endre Sós, the zoo's director of nature conservation and animal health, confirmed that the closure of the petting areas was a precautionary choice made independently by the zoo management.
He noted that the facility welcomes approximately 1.1 million visitors annually, and the risk of transferring the virus through contaminated objects, such as clothing, is significant.
The petting areas feature animals that are susceptible to the virus, hence the precautionary closure.
Dr. Sós emphasized that there have been no reported cases of illness within the zoo, nor has there been any mandate for sanctions, as the zoo is adequately situated away from the outbreak's epicenter.
He reiterated that the closure was deemed a responsible decision.
The Nyíregyházi Állatpark (Nyíregyháza Animal Park) has also responded to the ongoing outbreak.
Director László Gajdos indicated that they too have closed their petting area, which will remain shut until at least March 17, aligning with the end of the quarantine period.
Strict entry protocols have been established, requiring all visitors and vehicles to pass through a disinfection mat before entering the park premises.
Further inquiries were made to the Szeged Zoo regarding their response to the situation, but a reply is pending.
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