Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Europe Trigger Swift Responses
The Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture has already implemented containment measures by establishing exclusion zones and launching investigations to identify the source of the infection.
Concerned about the potential introduction of the virus, Ukraine has imposed a ban on importing animals, genetic material, raw materials, and animal products from Hungary to prevent further spread of the disease within its territory.
In addition to these measures, outbreaks have also been confirmed in other European countries. Last year, Germany reported its first cases of the disease in a herd of water buffaloes—the first occurrence in decades—which similarly prompted emergency actions. In response to these incidents, the United Kingdom has enacted a ban on importing meat and dairy products from Hungary and Slovakia, covering products from cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and untreated products.
These actions reflect growing global concern over the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Amid increasing trade tensions and risks associated with the cross-border movement of livestock and animal products, regulatory authorities are striving to mitigate the potential economic and epidemiological consequences.
Experts emphasize that insufficient vaccine coverage in Hungary exacerbates the situation, necessitating the implementation of stricter import controls to protect domestic markets.
