Hungarian authorities have confirmed the first-ever detection of African swine fever (ASF) in a domestic pig herd in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County.

The National Food Chain Safety Office (Nemzeti Élelmiszerlánc-biztonsági Hivatal, Nébih) announced that laboratory tests verified the presence of the virus in a commercial pig farm. Until now, ASF in Hungary had only been confirmed in wild boar populations.

Emergency lockdown and culling of 3,000 pigs

Following the confirmation, the national chief veterinary officer ordered immediate containment measures. The affected farm (home to around 3,000 pigs) has been shut down, and authorities have begun the process of culling the herd to prevent further spread.

A protection and surveillance zone has also been established around the site, with strict movement restrictions introduced for livestock, vehicles and personnel.

Officials have simultaneously launched an epidemiological investigation to determine the source of the infection and whether further transmission has already occurred.

A disease harmless to humans, but devastating for livestock

ASF is a highly infectious viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar. While it poses no risk to humans, it is almost always fatal for infected animals.

There is currently no vaccine or treatment available, making prevention and containment the only tools for controlling outbreaks. Experts warn that the virus’s high transmissibility and economic impact make it one of the most serious threats to the pig farming industry.

Hungarian officials have urged all livestock keepers to strictly comply with biosecurity rules, including disinfection protocols and restricted farm access, stressing that even indirect contact with wild boar could spread the virus.

Major economic concerns for Hungary’s pork sector

The outbreak comes at a sensitive time for Hungary’s livestock industry. According to Central Statistical Office data, the country had around 2.87 million pigs last December, with roughly 160,000 located in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County alone.

Industry experts warn that beyond containment costs, the most serious consequences could include export restrictions and disruptions across the supply chain.

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Government steps in: urgent industry meeting called

In response to the outbreak, the Minister of Agriculture has called an urgent meeting with stakeholders in the pork supply chain to assess the situation and coordinate response measures.

Szabolcs Bóna described the case as highly significant, noting that ASF had now been detected in domestic pigs in Hungary for the first time. He stressed that the situation is under control and that pork consumption remains safe.

Authorities: prevention is critical

Veterinary officials are reminding farmers that strict hygiene and biosecurity measures are essential to prevent further outbreaks. Any sudden illness, fever, bleeding symptoms or unexplained deaths in pig herds must be reported immediately to veterinarians.

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