Croatia eases border controls with Hungary

Croatia has lifted its ban on the import of certain live animals from Hungary, citing improvements in the animal health situation related to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The move, announced by the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, marks a significant step forward for Hungarian livestock exporters, though new safety measures remain in place to prevent any potential resurgence of the disease.

Hungary benefits from relaxed restrictions

The newly issued decree repeals the previous prohibition on importing FMD-susceptible animals—including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals—from both Hungary and Slovakia, TurizmusOnline.hu writes. The Croatian authorities justified the change by noting a marked improvement in epidemiological conditions in both countries.

However, imports are still subject to strict sanitary protocols. Only clinically healthy animals may be transported, and they must come from regions where tests have confirmed the absence of the disease. Transport is allowed solely by road and must occur directly from the place of origin to the final destination without any stops, Origo reports.

Entry points and quarantine rules

Until 15 May 2025, Hungarian trucks transporting live animals susceptible to infection or raw milk into Croatia may only enter through the former Gorican and Dubosevica border crossings. After that date, entry will be permitted exclusively at the Gorican crossing.