Shocking footage: Red liquid bubbling up from cattle buried after foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Hungary
A recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary has led to the culling and burial of over 3,000 cattle near Hegyeshalom, sparking environmental and public health concerns. The burial site, located in the rural area of Csemeztanya, has become the focus of controversy after disturbing images and videos surfaced online showing dark fluids seeping from the ground where the animals were interred.
Foot-and-mouth: Shocking videos surfaced
The videos, widely shared on social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, depict liquid byproducts of decomposition bubbling to the surface from shallow burial pits. Local residents fear that scavenging animals might dig up the remains, potentially spreading the disease further. The situation has also raised alarm over possible contamination of groundwater, as Csemeztanya lacks a modern sewage system and relies on wells for drinking water, Telex writes.
Authorities have responded by increasing security around the site to prevent unauthorised access. Dr. Szabolcs Pásztor, Hungary’s chief veterinarian, emphasised that the disposal process adheres to strict veterinary protocols. He explained that the decomposition of such a large number of animals inevitably produces gases and fluids, some of which may reach the surface despite efforts to mitigate this with absorbent materials like straw.
Local residents remain unconvinced. László Nyul, a resident living just a few hundred meters from the burial site, expressed deep concern for his family’s safety and property value. “We moved here for peace and quiet, but this situation has made living here unbearable,” he said. Nyul was briefly detained by police after a video he shared went viral, though he denies filming it himself.
Agriculture minister reassured locals
In response to mounting public pressure, Agriculture Minister István Nagy visited Csemeztanya to reassure locals. He promised infrastructural improvements, including the installation of drinking water and sewage pipelines, as well as enhanced environmental monitoring systems. Additionally, he pledged to formally designate the site as a protected “animal burial ground” with reinforced containment measures.
Despite these assurances, concerns linger among both residents and local officials. According to Euronews, Hegyeshalom’s mayor, László Szőke, called for greater transparency and urged authorities to expedite the completion of burial operations. He described the current state as an “unfinished process” that requires urgent attention to prevent further risks.
Strict measures, investigation launched
To contain the outbreak, strict measures have been implemented. Protective zones have been established around affected sites, allowing vehicle movement only after disinfection. Similar restrictions apply at border crossings and along major motorways like the M1. Electric fences have been installed around farms to keep wildlife away from infected areas.
The Hungarian police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the viral videos. Kristóf Gál, spokesperson for Hungary’s National Police Headquarters, emphasised that violating epidemic control regulations could constitute a criminal offense. Police officers are stationed at affected farms to monitor disinfection procedures, 24.hu reports.
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