SHIC Monitoring FMDV Incursion in Hungary: First Outbreak in 50 Years

SHIC actively monitors global swine diseases as part of its mission to enhance swine health through the identification of emerging disease threats. On March 7, 2025, Hungary reported its first foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in over 52 years at a dairy cattle farm in Kisbajcs, a town located near the Slovakian border. The outbreak affected a herd of 1,400 cattle, with classic FMD symptoms observed, including fever, excessive salivation, and blisters on the mouth, tongue, and hooves. On March 26, 2025, a second FMDV outbreak was reported in the same region of Hungary affecting a 3,000 head dairy herd. As part of the SHIC Global Swine Disease Monitoring Report, the team at the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) has prepared this update of the FMDV situation in Hungary. 

Key Dates in Hungary’s FMD Outbreak
March 3, 2025 – Clinical signs of FMD observed.
March 6, 2025 – Laboratory confirmation of FMD.
March 7, 2025 – Hungary officially reported the outbreak to the WOAH.
March 26, 2025 – Hungary confirms second FMDV outbreak. 

Outbreak locations
The initial outbreak occurred at a dairy farm in Kisbajcs, a town in northwestern Hungary located within 2 km of the Slovak border. The second outbreak occurred in Level, Gyor-Moson-Sopron county (less than 50 km (30 miles) from the first outbreak), the same region as the first outbreak near the Slovakian border. 

Cause and Transmission: How and Why the Outbreak Occurred
The exact source of the virus remains unknown. Authorities are conducting epidemiological investigations to determine the source of the outbreak and assess the potential risk of further transmission. The Hungarian National Reference Laboratory has identified the FMD virus as serotype O. Genetic sequencing revealed that the strain shares 98–99% similarity with a virus isolated in Pakistan in 2017–2018, indicating a potential epidemiological link. Importantly, this strain is genetically distinct from the one detected in Germany in January 2025, confirming that the Hungarian and German outbreaks are not connected. Potential transmission routes include human clothing, shoes, exposure to infected animals, animal trade, and movement of animal products. Authorities are investigating the possibility of transmission to wildlife (e.g., wild boar and deer). 

Measures Taken
The entire infected first herd (1,400 cattle) was culled. Hungary established a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone, extending into Slovakia. For the second outbreak, culling of infected cattle is anticipated to be completed soon, mandatory culling of pigs in the affected areas by March 31 due to their potential role in virus transmission, and grazing restrictions enforced along a 10 km strip near the border to prevent further spread. 

Increased Surveillance
▪️ Susceptible herds within a 10km radius are being tested.
▪️ Blood samples are being collected from hunted wild animals in the region.
▪️ Zoos closed.
▪️ Hunting is prohibited within restriction zones to minimize the risk of virus spread.
▪️ Decontamination protocols say vehicles can only leave infected farms and burial sites after strict disinfection. 

  Movement Restrictions
▪️ National ban on the movement of susceptible cloven-hoofed species initiated.
▪️ Pigs, sheep, and goats can be transported for immediate slaughter outside affected counties.
▪️ Cattle remain under full movement restrictions. 

 International Trade Impact
▪️ 15 non-EU countries have temporarily banned imports of Hungarian meat products.
▪️ The EU has issued certification for continued trade within its member states. 

 Increased Surveillance
▪️ Susceptible herds within a 10km radius are being tested.
▪️ Blood samples are being collected from hunted wild animals in the region.
▪️ Zoos closed.
▪️ Hunting is prohibited within restriction zones to minimize the risk of virus spread.
▪️ Decontamination protocols say vehicles can only leave infected farms and burial sites after strict disinfection. 

Overview of International Responses to Hungary’s FMD Outbreak 

Romania
▪️ Enhanced surveillance of cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats.
▪️ Instituted mandatory reporting of illness or mortality in livestock.
▪️ Printed advisories posted in public places (e.g., city halls, veterinary clinics, churches).
▪️ Implemented stricter monitoring of animal transport from affected areas. 

United Kingdom
▪️Banned imports of cattle, pigs, meat, dairy, and animal by-products from Hungary and Slovakia.
▪️ Restricted travelers from bringing meat, dairy, and animal by-products into the UK.
▪️ Conducting ongoing risk assessment with potential for further restrictions. 

Kosovo
▪️ Put full import ban on live animals and animal products from Hungary in place.
▪️ Declared FMD-free status and enhanced disease monitoring. 

Poland
▪️ Closed borders to imports of livestock, meat, dairy, and animal by-products from Hungary and parts of Slovakia.
▪️ Began sanitary border inspections at crossings with Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
▪️ Required mandatory disinfection of animal transport vehicles.
▪️ Deployed special vehicle disinfection gates at key border crossings. 

Czech Republic
▪️ Banned transport of susceptible animals from Hungary and Slovakia (except for direct slaughter).
▪️ Conducting border inspections by veterinary authorities, police, and customs officials.
▪️ Requiring strict disinfection protocols for animal transport vehicles.
▪️ Restricted farm access for individuals recently in Hungary. 

Ukraine
▪️ Banned imports of live animals, genetic material, and animal products from Hungary.
▪️ Monitoring the epizootic situation continuously. 

Canada
▪️ Implemented import restrictions on live animals, raw meat, milk, and animal by-products from Hungary and Slovakia.
▪️ Issued border alerts and enhanced screening by Canada Border Services Agency.
▪️ Tracking shipments of pork and dairy products imported after February 2, 2025. 

Australia
▪️ Suspended imports of meat and dairy products from Hungary and Slovakia. 

Ongoing Concerns and Next Steps
The economic impact of trade restrictions is expected to last for several months. Authorities are monitoring wildlife and other livestock premises to detect potential further spread. Hungary will only be declared FMD-free after an extended period of testing and a confirmed absence of new cases. 

With the recent addition of FMDV detection in Slovakia, the detection of FMD in three EU countries within a short timeframe raises concerns about biosecurity breaches, trade risks, and virus translocation within the region. This highly contagious disease requires continued vigilance and strict control measures to prevent further spread in Hungary, Slovakia, and other EU countries. 

References 
DEFRA Preliminary Outbreak Assessment – Foot and Mouth Disease in Hungary 
Foot and mouth disease in Hungary: animals killed, bans in place, zoo closed 
Government update about the spread of deadly disease in Hungary 
Hungary reports first foot-and-mouth cases in 50 years 
China has lifted some restrictions on German dairy product imports, German ministry says 
Germany regains status as free of foot-and-mouth disease, ministry says 
Hungary detects first case of foot-and-mouth disease in 50 years 
Veterinary watchdog orders measures to prevent spread of FMD virus from Hungary to Romania 
UK bans imports of some animal products from Hungary, Slovakia after foot-and-mouth case 
Kosovo bans import of animals and their products from Hungary 
Health checks at the border with Slovakia after detection of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary 
Czechia Bans Animal Transport from Hungary, Imposes Border Control with Slovakia 
Foot-and-mouth disease: Ukraine has restricted imports from Hungary due to an outbreak of a dangerous animal disease 
CFIA enforces new restrictions due to Foot and Mouth Disease in Hungry and Slovakia 
Australia bans imports from two EU nations after foot-and-mouth detected