Foot-and-mouth disease spreads in Hungary: Livestock and wildlife at risk, potential food price rises

Hungary is currently grappling with an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral infection that poses serious risks to livestock and wildlife. The disease was first detected in Kisbajcs and later confirmed in Levél, both located in Győr-Moson-Sopron County near the Slovak border. Authorities have implemented strict measures to contain the outbreak, but the situation remains precarious.

Containment measures and immediate impact

To curb the spread of the virus, Hungarian authorities have resorted to drastic containment measures, including the culling of infected livestock. In Levél alone, approximately 3,000 animals are being slaughtered, with similar actions taken within a 10-kilometer radius of affected areas. Farmers are required to report all home slaughters for sample collection, and compensation is being provided for non-market-ready animals based on their market value.

Vaccination campaigns have also begun in affected regions to reduce virus shedding before culling operations are completed, Agrárágazat reports. However, experts warn that vaccination offers only limited protection, as it primarily prevents clinical symptoms rather than halting infection entirely. This limitation complicates efforts to fully eradicate the disease.

• Related article: Zoos closed, hunting ban introduced, border closed: foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Hungary

Threat to wildlife and other risks

A significant concern is the potential transmission of FMD to wild animals, particularly cloven-hoofed species such as deer and wild boars. According to InfoStart, the Hungarian National Hunting Chamber (Országos Magyar Vadászkamara) has issued guidelines for hunters to monitor wildlife for symptoms like excessive salivation, nasal discharge, and lesions on the mouth or hooves. If infected wildlife populations become carriers, controlling the disease will become exponentially more difficult.

• Related: Slovakia closes borders with Hungary due to disease outbreak

This scenario echoes Hungary’s experience with African swine fever in 2018, where efforts focused on preventing transmission from wild animals to domestic herds. Now, the reverse is true: authorities aim to prevent FMD from spreading from livestock to wildlife, Attila Földvári, spokesperson of the Hungarian National Hunting Chamber, said. Hunters are even authorised to cull potentially infected wild animals for diagnostic purposes.

Economic consequences: potential rise in prices

The outbreak has already begun to impact Hungary’s agricultural sector. Although only 2% of the national cattle population has been affected so far, continued spread could lead to severe economic repercussions. The forced culling of livestock disrupts supply chains for beef and dairy products, potentially driving up prices domestically and abroad. Conversely, if export restrictions are imposed due to contamination fears, surplus products could flood local markets, depressing prices.

Experts emphasise that swift containment is crucial to avoid long-term damage. While Hungary’s lamb export sector remains unaffected—an important relief ahead of Easter—the broader livestock industry faces uncertainty. Neighbouring Slovakia has already reported consumer stockpiling of meat and dairy products in anticipation of shortages.

Related:

• European Commission may compensate Hungarian farmers after deadly disease
• Lots of people lost their jobs in Hungary due to disease outbreak

Public precautions and outlook

Authorities are calling on farmers and the public to exercise vigilance. Those who own livestock are advised against visiting natural areas in clothing or footwear used near their animals, as FMD can spread via contaminated surfaces or even wind over long distances. Public awareness and cooperation are vital in preventing further outbreaks.