The Hungarian government has announced new measures in response to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that has re-emerged in the country for the first time in over 50 years.

The outbreak, which was first identified in Germany on January 10, 2025, has prompted immediate actions from Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, the latter of which has enforced travel restrictions at several border crossings.

The Ministry of Agriculture reported that four cattle farms are currently affected by the virus, leading to the establishment of an animal health operational body aimed at controlling the spread.

As part of the emergency measures, livestock in Győr-Moson-Sopron and Komárom-Esztergom counties can only be transported to designated slaughterhouses.

Transport of susceptible animals from abroad or to these areas is strictly prohibited.

The Hungarian Minister of Agriculture, István Nagy, emphasized that rigorous adherence to biosecurity measures is crucial in mitigating further outbreaks, especially with reports of new cases in Slovakia.

Vaccination efforts have begun for approximately 3,500 affected cattle, with the aim of decreasing viral shedding and halting the spread of the disease.

The minister highlighted the importance of preemptive measures, noting that the isolation and sterilization processes have already taken place at the first identified outbreak site in Kisbarcson.

Currently, disinfection efforts are ongoing at the contaminated sites, including Levél, Dunakiliti, and Darnózseli.

However, the mopping-up process for infected herds is expected to be lengthy.

Enhanced biosecurity measures have been enacted at border control points, including the establishment of disinfection protocols for vehicles entering and exiting infected areas.

The operational body has mandated veterinary inspections at affected farms, ensuring that a designated veterinarian is assigned to each site to limit inter-farm contact.

Public events involving livestock have been canceled to prevent further risk.

Austria has closed 23 border crossings with Hungary, as part of its containment strategy, including several in Lower Austria and Burgenland.

Only six crossings remain operational, necessitating alternative routes for individuals commuting between the two nations.

Sufficient resources have been allocated to support disease control efforts, with the military engaging in disinfection operations in northern regions and verifying adherence to biosecurity protocols at designated locations.

The government has additionally instituted a one-year credit moratorium for livestock farmers to alleviate financial pressures stemming from the crisis.

The Serbian authorities have also established disinfection points for vehicles entering their country from Hungary, reinforcing the regional response to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.