Midges spread the larvas of the heartworm and the evolved parasites can be even 15-centimetre-long and overrun the lungs, the heart and the veins. The infection is more and more frequent, and the later it is spotted the lower chance the dogs have to survive the disease.
According to 24.hu, thanks to the warmer climate of Hungary more midges and ticks can survive the winter and are starting to multiply in spring. Furthermore, more species indigenous to more temperate climates occur in Hungary that spread diseases so far known only from the newspapers. Midges are responsible for the spread of the West Nile fever while ticks distribute the Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever. Not only humans are in danger but also the animals living together with us.
For example,
one of the new, insidious parasites is a heartworm
that produces symptoms only at a later phase of the infection when the animal is already in critical condition. Midges spread the larvas of the parasites and 24.hu asked Dr Krisztián Olaszy, a heartworm specialist in the veterinary polyclinic of Rákosliget, about the disease.
The name of the worm is Dirofilaria immitis which is indigenous in the Mediterranean parts of Europe but from 2010 on more moved to Hungary because of the warming climate of the country. As a result, Mr Olaszy said that until this May they treated as many animals with heartworm disease as they did in 2019. The evolved parasites live in the huge veins of the lungs where they keep wandering until they reach their final form. Moreover,
they can multiply in the lungs
so midges can transmit their larvas to another dog.
If they are big enough, they can baulk the flow of the blood, or they can reach even the heart of the animals. Interestingly, the parasite cannot be detected after the bite of the midge for 6-8 months. Symptoms like coughing or being tired are tough to spot, but in the first two phases of the disease, there is a very good chance for recovery. Of course, recuperation is not hopeless even in the third or fourth phases, but chances are significantly lower. However, the expert said that
prevention is essential
because that is how other dogs can be saved, as well.
Furthermore, prevention costs only thousands of HUF while the treatment bill for an already ill dog can reach hundreds of thousands of HUF. The heartworm is not dangerous to us but a close relative of it, the Dirofilaria repens can cause unpleasant symptoms even in humans. The bad news is that the Korean midge spreading unstoppably in Hungary spreads it.
The Hortobágy National Park might be one of the most well-known national parks in Hungary. The first thing that comes to mind for many people is the Nine-Hole Bridge, but the national park is much more than that.
It consists of 4 protected landscape areas and 19 independent nature reserves. The 800 km2 national park in eastern Hungary was founded on January 1, 1973. You will not regret visiting the park. With its diverse flora and fauna and many other treasures, it is an unforgettable experience. Magyarországom collected five of the many interesting facts about the Hortobágy National Park. Not even all Hungarians know some of these facts, even though everyone should.
1. It was Hungary’s first national park
For many Hungarians, the first national park to come to mind is the Hortobágy National Park, unless they live near another one. The Hortobágy National Park is not only one of the best known and most popular national parks in Hungary, but it is also the oldest one.
It was the first national park to be established in Hungary.
The National Office for Nature Conservation established the park that extends through the counties of Hajdú-Bihar, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, as well as a small area of Lake Tisza in Heves County. The unbroken popularity and success of the park lie in its special history, valuable wildlife, and unique folk tradition, which is probably why this region is special for every visitor.
Hungarian herdsman with grey cattle
2. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage
On November 30, 1999, at the meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, the entire area of the Hortobágy National Park was added to the list of World Heritage Sites. This is special and noteworthy because the list currently includes over 1,000 sites, 779 of which received this title because of its cultural values, but only 83 of them can be classified as cultural landscapes, and only about 7 of them are connected to shepherding as a landscape shaping activity. The Hortobágy National Park is one of these seven. The stone slab – made from Dacite tuff from the Somoly quarry, the same material used to build the Nine-Hole Bridge – of the memorial plaque commemorating the park’s world heritage title is located in the village of Hortobágy. Both the sign and the bridge are worth a look if someone is visiting the park. The Hortobágy National Park is also one of many Hungaricums.
Photo: www.facebook,com/boszormenyi.sandor2
Photo: www.facebook.com/derencsenyiistvanphoto
Photo: www.facebook.com/derencsenyiistvanphoto
3. Not only the most famous but also the largest puszta
The Hortobágy National Park, consisting of 4 protected landscape areas and 19 independent nature reserves, is the largest grassy steppe not only in Hungary but also in Central Europe. It was once a grove-like steppe along the Tisza, but several factors led to how it is today. Wild grazing animals once roamed the land, but the complete deforestation and utilisation of grazing lands for domesticated animals played a decisive role in the formation of the present landscape.
4. The narrow-gauge railway across the national park
Uniquely, the Hortobágy National Park operates the only passenger narrow-gauge railway in Hungary around a fishpond. That pond, however, is Hungary’s largest artificially created fishpond, Lake Kondás. The approximately five-kilometre long narrow-gauge railway offers an unequalled view of the flora and fauna of the national park. You can find many animals in this region that are iconic to Hungary and almost all Hungarians will recognise.
The fauna includes Hungarian Grey cattle – which is also a Hungaricum –, Hortobágy Racka sheep, water buffalos, and one of the largest birds in Hungary, the Great bustard, just to name a few.
Photo: www.facebook.com/derencsenyiistvanphoto
Image:
www.facebook.com/HortobágyiRackajuhtartók/
Water buffalos bathing in mud
5. The ‘gémeskút’
If someone wanders into the Hortobágy National Park, it is impossible not to see a ‘gémeskút’. It can be referred to as a shadoof, a well pole, or a T-shaped sweep well; it is a crane-like tool with a lever mechanism used to lift water from a well. However, only a few people know that these tools – which are essential to the characteristic of the landscape – did not serve only one purpose. These T-shaped sweep wells were also used for limited communication. Based on the position of the lever of the well, people developed a signal system used by everyone in this area. The position of the lever meant several things: a ‘pandúr’ (here: an armed person who abused his authority) came, an official arrived, a woman stayed at the shepherd’s quarters, lunch was ready, the water in the well was not drinkable, the well was broken, drive the herd or the stud to the drinking place, there was an accident, etc. The wells thus functioned not only as a water source but also as an early communication system as they could be easily seen from miles away.
Farm at Hortobágy
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ilovehortobagy/photos
Since the restrictions implemented by the government because of the coronavirus epidemic have been lifted in Pest county as well, József Richter Jr, director of the Hungarian National Circus, created the first Hungarian car safari park in Szada, just 30 kilometres away from Budapest. The park is safe and unique, so its visit is worth the trip!
According to magyarnemzeticirkusz.hu, there are almost 100 different animals in the exotic safari park which covers 5 hectares near Szada, Pest county. Only cars can get inside, and their top must not be open. In the park, there are giraffes, elephants, camels, donkeys, and the so-called “zebmars”, the most exclusive members of the family who were born by
the combination of zebras and donkeys.
Photo: MTI
The operation of the safari park follows strict rules because of the epidemic so everyone can feel 100 pc safe inside. Cars can move only on the marked path, and only a limited number of vehicles (families) are let inside at a particular time. They are allowed to spend 1 hour there. To avoid traffic jams in front of the gates
only those can enter the park who registered before.
You can register HERE but if you hesitate you should watch this video about the park:
Mr Richter told that they postponed the opening because they wanted to meet all safety and security requirements. But he cleared that, thanks to the job of their many colleagues, visitors can enjoy a unique tour and can see a lot of exotic animals.
Photo: MTI
Furthermore, those who visit can help the Hungarian National Circus, as well, which can be life-saving for them since they were left without income after the outbreak of the epidemic.
Source: facebook.com/pg/magyarnemzeticirkusz
And finally, the prices. For children under 2, the park is free. Between the age of 2 and 14, the entrance fee is 1,500 HUF (3.5 EUR) while for adults it is 2.000 HUF (4.5 EUR).
facebook.com/magyarnemzeticirkusz
Opening times: workdays: 12 am to 5 pm. Weekend and holidays: 10 am to 5 pm.
Provided you have questions you can call the +36 20 935 40 50 phone number between 9 am, and 12:30 am.
The presence of pets helps a lot when it comes to surviving social distancing and other restrictions that lock us into our home. During their time at home, many turn to their dog or cat for support. However, in an emergency like this, some pets may require even more care.
Hvg wrote that in a representative study, Nestlé Purina asked pet owners in Hungary about how they are putting up with the pandemic and restrictions and how they take care of their pets in this emergency. The results showed that according to respondents, one of the biggest benefits of working from home is that they can schedule their daily routine themselves (73%), and the other is that they can spend more time with their four-legged friends, which makes it easier for them to take care of their pets (43%). The third most popular answer was that pets help to relax, and their proximity has a good effect on their owner’s general well-being.
The research was also curious about how pet dogs and cats experience confinement. 59% of respondents said that their pets are particularly happy about the time they can spend together, and 42% of owners pay attention to walk their dog regularly. The majority of respondents think of their pets as an extra family member who requires constant care. There is also a significant number of people who think their pet is a ‘quasi-psychologist’ with whom they can ‘talk about’ everything.
Several studies have shown that the presence of dogs and cats – in the long run – can reduce blood pressure, stress, and the symptoms of depression, while at the same time increase work performance and creativity.
Consider some Hungarian dog breeds to become your new best friend
Komondor: Due to their large size, they do not do well in flats, but if you have a family house with a garden, you might have just found your new cuddle-buddy. Do not let their size fool you; they are quite agile and athletic. They enjoy running around in a large fenced-off area and like to play with their housemate dogs. Komondors usually enjoy walking; however, dog parks are not the best places to do so. They can think that other, stranger dogs are threatening, and their guarding instinct can kick in, so it is best to take a walk with them in forest paths or secluded areas. Nonetheless, thanks to their instincts, they are perfect guarding dogs as well, but they require obedience training and early socialisation if you want them to be able to meet other dogs and let your friends into your garden.
Puli: They are smaller than Komondors but very active both physically and mentally. However, you should not overdo physical exercise when the dog is young. The Puli can perform great in many canine sports. They are excellent at herding due to the breed’s past, are very loyal and obedient, and they can be really great at ‘Agility’. Puli is a very smart dog breed, so they learn very quickly and love to please their masters, but you need a firm hand to own one.
Vizsla: They are a breed of hunting dogs, so exercising and training should be part of their routine. Because they are considered active, they might not be for everyone, but nonetheless, if you tend to them properly, you are set for a loyal companion. The breed likes to play fetch and loves walks, but sometimes they need to run off-leash. Vizslas love attention; however, if they do not get enough attention or have nothing to do, well, they might occupy themselves with something you do not want them to. If trained and socialised well, you can do almost any activity you can imagine with them.
If you want any dog breed, find an official and recognised breeder, but do not forget to visit your local shelter as there is a chance you can find a breed you might like there. Not only that, but saving an animal’s life is one of the best feelings there is, and if you do, they are sure to be grateful for you.
Experts emphasise that you should follow hygiene recommendations and the social distancing guidelines of your municipality while walking your pet. It is also important to note that people in our environment who are at high risk due to the coronavirus (e.g. the elderly) may also have pets, so if they cannot get pet food or walk their pets, consider helping them or redirect them to someone who can provide help.
At the beginning of March, Gofree, the Hungarian assistance dog, prepared by the NEO Hungarian Service Dog Charitable Association (NEO Magyar Segítőkutya Közhasznú Egyesület in Hungarian), has passed the practice exam with the trainers of the Association.
The professional assistance dog exam was unfortunately postponed indefinitely, since the preparation and examination venue, the National Institute of Medical Rehabilitation, was closed due to the epidemic.
Gofree has successfully proven to have the right level of education, the dog and can start working with an 11-year-old girl with celiac disease (gluten-sensitive enteropathy).
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease characterised by an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It can only be treated with a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.
A product is considered gluten-free when it contains less than 20 mg of gluten per kg. Scent detection dogs are trained from a very young age until they become fully imprinted on the specific scent. According to the measured data, they are able to smell less than 10 mg of gluten in 1 kg food, which is below the gluten-free limit.
Gofree is the first celiac assistance dog in Hungary and also in Europe.
The staff of the Hungarian assistance dog organisation mastered the training method with the involvement of the professional dog trainer, Maja Golob. The Golob-Workshop was held in the autumn of 2019, in which several Hungarian training organisations participated in order to expand their knowledge about the training of different types of assistance dogs, such as seizure alert dogs, diabetic alert dogs and celiac assistance dogs.
The workshop was supported by the Ministry of Human Capacities and the Equal Opportunities of Persons with Disabilities Non-profit Ltd. (FSZK).
Minister of Agriculture István Nagy has asked the European Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan for an urgent EC review of poultry import conditions from third countries in order to minimise the negative impact of the novel coronavirus epidemic in the sector.
Nagy said in his letter that temporary restrictions adopted in tourism, catering and the hospitality industry (HORECA) have required the rapid reorganisation of agricultural sales from the services industry to retail, the ministry said in a statement. Demand for high added-value and seasonal products has shifted towards non-perishable foodstuffs which has resulted in a temporary loss of consumption in one of the largest markets of agriculture, the HORECA sector, it added.
Parallel to the fall in demand in European markets, significant imports have arrived in the EU from third countries, resulting in accumulated stocks and excess supply in certain areas, the ministry said citing Nagy.
The excess supply has had a negative effect, especially on the poultry product chain, and its consequences have already reached producers, he added.
“In the interest of preventing long-term losses in the poultry sector, in addition to immediate market measures, further swift action is required,” the minister said.
“This, however, necessitates an urgent review by the Commission of the conditions that are attached to imports originating from third countries,” he added.
He said a “temporary adjustment of the quantity of imports originating from third countries could help to achieve a state of balance on the internal market and the creation of equal competitive conditions for internal production.”
In terms of spreading pathogens, ticks and mosquitos represent the most serious sources of danger. Concerning environmental factors that influence tick distribution, mild winters and climate change provide increasingly optimal living conditions for native species and allow the future establishment of new tick species transported by migratory birds from even larger distances. As in the case of mosquitoes, we have to take into account the possibility of the spread of new diseases. New tick species are expected to appear in Hungary, mainly as a result of climate change. Currently, three species are expected to emerge and spread.
Nine years and many thousands of eggs laid
These blood-sucking members of the arachnid family spread many pathogens by feeding on the blood of humans, terrestrial mammals, birds or reptiles. 20−30 native species live in Hungary; the most common one is the castor-bean tick (Ixodes ricinus), 24 reported.
According to the Emerging Diseases in Hungary (Újonnan Megjelenő Betegségek Magyarországon) published by the Hungarian Ecological Research Centre, ticks have three life stages: larva, nymph and adult.
They spend about 90% of their lives without a host, and they can survive for months or even years without feeding. Their life cycle can last up to 8−9 years, and their typical habitats (depending on the species) include deciduous forests, clearings, transitional areas between woodlands and open areas, forests with lush undergrowth, parks and even gardens.
Concerning their feeding, larvae feed for 2−3 days, mainly on birds or mice, and nymphs often seek larger hosts. Adult females feed for 6−12 days after mating and swell to twice their standard size. Then they drop off and lay thousands of eggs.
New species appearing in Hungary
Ecologists expect the emergence and spread of new tick species in Hungary, such as Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma rufipes and Rhipicephalus sanguineus.
Hyalomma marginatum is a species native to tropical and Mediterranean countries, and it has already been identified in Germany. Hyalomma rufipes is the most widespread Hyalomma species in Africa, and its adult specimens have been detected in Hungary. Rhipicephalus sanguineus is commonly known as dog tick.
Most well-known pathogens
Ticks can transmit several infections caused by pathogens such as viruses or bacteria. The spectrum of tick-borne pathogens include the followings: Viruses: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) tick-borne encephalitis Bacteria: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the agent of lyme borreliosis Borrelia myiamotoi Anaplasma species Rickettsia species Neoehrlichia species
Ticks belonging to the Hyalomma species are the most common vectors of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. Based on hospital data, fatality rates from CCHF outbreaks are between 9 and 50% and vaccination is not available yet.
For prevention, it is advisable to avoid areas with high numbers of ticks that could potentially spread the virus. Symptoms may include headache, fever, muscle pains and vomiting. It also has to be noted that growing tourism and global animal transport also contribute to the spread of the virus. In Hungary, CCHF was first isolated in 1972.
The Hungarian Grey (Bos primigenius Taurus Hungaricus) is a special Hungarikum, Hungary’s native and protected animal species. With its strength, colour and beauty, this animal is known all across the world as a typical Hungarian symbol. Although it is the most typical Hungarian animal, it only became an official Hungarikum four years ago, on April 24.
Sokszínű Vidék reported that these animals play an essential part in shaping the environment of Hortobágy, which is the first officially registered national park in Hungary since the 1970s. The protection and breeding of the Hungarian Grey is the number one priority of the national park.
This native Hungarian animal still exists in a great number in the area of the park and their rule in forming the natural habitats of Hortobágy is significant. As they walk on the lands and eat the grass, these animals create the best environment for birds and other species.
On the day of St. George (April 24) the shepherds lead the animals out on the open fields for the first time after the cold winter season ends. This day — according to the superstition — the real spring arrives. This event has been a public one in Hortobágy attracting many visitors, but this year it has been cancelled because of the coronavirus epidemic.
A Hungarian labrador, Katrin, has finally returned to her loving owner, Rebeka Sós, a year after going missing.
Their reunion was nothing short of moving, as Rebeka kept crying from happiness that after a year of hopeless searching, her beloved pet had finally been found, reported Blikk.
Rebeka and her husband, Norbert, have another dog, Russell, who fell in love last spring and jumped over the two-meter tall fence. Katrina, the labrador, followed him. And while Russell returned that same night, Katrin went missing.
The couple looked everywhere for their missing dog, put up posters at the veterinarian’s office and the rescue centre, Norbert searched the city’s borders with hunters. After a month of tireless searching, the dog was still nowhere to be found.
“When she went missing, our other dog became melancholic, he missed his pal,” Rebeka said. They had brought the dog home from 200 kilometres away because she had a bump on her had, and no one else wanted her, but for Rebeka, it was love at first sight.
They never gave up hope that their pet would return home, the couple was talking about Katrin just days before she was found. They received a call from the Animal Shelter of Siófok and immediately got in the car.
The dog had been there for a few days, but her chip was not found during the initial check-up. Luckily, during a vaccination, the veterinarian found it, and her owners were able to be notified of her whereabouts.
The couple and the labrador recognised each other the second they reunited, and Katrin jumped into the trunk of their car like she always had. Since returning home, Katrin does not leave her owners’ side during walks; she constantly touches Rebeka’s leg.
News spread that a vehicle hit a deer in downtown Budapest near Kálvária square (District VIII). People started to wonder what a deer is doing downtown, and many speculate that the animal came from the Fiumei Road Cemetery. A biologist explains why this is not such a crazy idea.
Even though graveyard operators claim that they did not see any deer roaming around the cemetery, they think it possible that some animals wandered in from the wooded outskirts of Budapest due to the decreased traffic in town, 24.hu reports.
Dr Viktor Löki, a biologist from the Centre for Ecological Research, explains why deer can be expected in capital graveyards.
This phenomenon is not new, more significant city parks and graveyards have always been known to attract wild deer and other larger species worldwide. Smaller animals like foxes and badgers may choose such a place as their permanent residence, but larger species like deer are not likely to do that. Deer without a designated territory often wander as far as 10 km from the others.
Another factor at play here is the fact that deer are not that bothered by humans anymore. When traffic is low, usually near dawn, they are likely to roam around cities. Given that there is much less traffic is due to the coronavirus situation, they may roam as far as downtown.
Humans have been living together with several animal species like rats, pigeons, sparrows and flees for centuries. Other animals like boars, foxes, and badgers can often be seen in the outer districts, near wooded outskirts. Furthermore, some even say that currently, at least 30-40 beavers live in Budapest. The urban environment provides these animals with numerous benefits, including easy to find food and shelter, which gives them significant advantages compared to their peers surviving in the wild.
Cases of the H5N8 strain of the bird flu have been confirmed in 226 farms in Hungary’s southern Bács-Kiskun and Csongrád counties, leading to the culling of 3.5 million animals, the chief veterinary officer said on Monday.
In areas where farms stood too close to each other, 870,000 poultry had to be culled to thin the stock and stop the virus from spreading, Lajos Bognár said.
The farmers’ damage totals at several billion forints, he said.
Facilities operating in line with the relevant regulations are eligible for damages from the state, Bognar said, adding that many have been found to flout a January decree to keep the animals in closed facilities at all times.
Bognár noted that
bird flu was typically brought into the country by migratory birds, hence the ban on open-air poultry farming.
H5N8 first appeared in Asia in 2014, when it developed into a pandemic. It last appeared in Hungary in 2016-2017.
English is a global language, there is no denying that, but over the course of its history, it has been influenced and impacted by many other languages and cultures, from French to German, from Greek and Latin to Spanish, but also Hungarian. Although the Hungarian language and culture did not impact English as much as some other languages, there are still some words in English that originate from the Central-Eastern European country of Hungary.
Magyarországomcollected some of these words for you, and we tried to find sources (sometimes with added emphasis) to support their origin.
Itsy-bitsy
We should start with the outlier. Although it might not have a true etymological connection to the Hungarian phrase of the same meaning, as I could not find any truly reliable sources, the resemblance is uncanny. In Hungary, we use the phrase ‘icipici’, which not only looks very similar, but it sounds almost identical and has an almost identical meaning.
Coach
“Found in nearly all European languages since the 16th century; Spanish ‘coche’, Italian ‘cocchio’, German ‘kutsche’, Polish ‘kocz’, etc. All originate from the Hungarian ‘kocsi’, used in Hungary from the reign of King Matthias Corvinus, 1458–90.” – Oxford English Dictionary
‘Kocsi’ is an adjective, meaning ‘of Kocs /kɔtʃ/’, a place south of Komorn, between Raab and Buda, which was the Hungarian post town from the 15th century onwards. The full original name was ‘kocsi szekér’ i.e. ‘Kocs cart’, which was the name of a fast, light vehicle pulled by horses that later spread across Europe. Now, the word can be used to describe train passenger cars and types of buses as well.
The ballpoint pen is widely referred to as a ‘biro’ in many countries, including the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Italy. Although the word is a registered trademark that comes from the name of its inventor, in some countries, it has become genericised.
László József Bíró was a Hungarian-Argentine inventor who patented the first commercially successful modern ballpoint pen. Bíró presented his idea at the Budapest International Fair in 1931 and patented the invention in Paris in 1938. During World War II, Bíró fled to Argentina. In 1943, he filed another patent, issued in the US as 2,390,636 Writing Instrument. In 1945, Marcel Bich bought the patent from Bíró for the pen, which soon became the main product of his BIC company. BIC has since sold more than 100 billion ballpoint pens worldwide.
This might be one of the most well-known and most commonly used words in English that originate from Hungary. It is not uncommon for foreigners to identify Hungarians with this dish. If you are abroad and say that you are Hungarian, the first thing that comes to mind for many people is ‘goulash’.
“It originates from Hungarian ‘gulyáshús’, from ‘gulyás’ (herdsman of ox) + ‘hús’ (meat). A beef or lamb soup originally made by herdsmen while on the fields.” – Online Etymology Dictionary
“It means light-cavalryman. The original Hussars were bodies of light horsemen organized in Hungary in the late 15th century, famed for courage and elaborate, semi-oriental dresses. They were widely imitated all over Europe (for example the Polish winged hussars), hence the spread of the word.” – Online Etymology Dictionary
Historically, the term in Hungarian derives from the cavalry of late medieval Hungary under Matthias Corvinus with mainly Serb warriors, but there are also other theories about its origin:
According to Webster’s Dictionary, the Hungarian ‘huszár’, originates from the medieval Serbian husar, meaning brigand (because early hussars’ shock troop tactics used against the Ottoman army resembled that of brigands; in modern Serbian, the meaning of ‘gusar’ is limited to sea pirate, more like ‘corsair’).
Another theory is that the term is an original Hungarian one, having nothing in common with the Serbian ‘gusar’. The hussars’ tactics and riding skills are characteristic of the early Hungarian warriors and were used by many ethnicities on the Eurasian steppe, like Huns, Avars, etc., and later by the Mongols and Tatars. This type of light cavalry was especially characteristic of the Hungarian armies, equipped with bows, arrows, spears, and sabres, and they later adopted the use of firearms.
Shako
“Also ‘chako’ is a cylindrical soldier’s hat with plume. It comes from the Hungarian ‘csákó’, short for ‘csákós süveg’ (peaked cap)”. – Online Etymology Dictionary
Originally, it would look similar to a hussar’s hat, but if you say the word ‘csákó’ in Hungary, many people, especially children, will associate the word with the simple hat you can fold from paper.
Sabre
“It is a type of single-edged sword, from French ‘sabre’ (heavy, curved sword) an alteration of ‘sable’, from German ‘Sabel’, ‘Säbel’, probably ultimately from Hungarian ‘szablya’ (saber), literally means a tool to cut with, from the verb ‘szabni’ (to cut or to tear).” – Online Etymology Dictionary
A sabre, also spelt as saber, depending on which side of the pond you are from, is a type of backsword with a curved blade associated with the light cavalry of the early modern and Napoleonic periods. Originally associated with Central-Eastern European cavalry, such as the hussars, the sabre became widespread in Western Europe a bit later. The predecessor of these weapons, the ‘proto-sabre’ (the Turko-Mongol sabre), had become the usual sidearm on the Eurasian steppes by the 9th century. The sabre probably arrived in Europe with the Magyars and Turks.
Photo: www.facebook.com/Hortobágy Nonprofit Kft.
Pusta
Pusta or Puszta is a Hungarian traditional landscape meaning “a large plain, a steppe; a flat treeless region.” – Oxford English Dictionary
Czárdás
‘Csárdás’, often seen as ‘czárdás’ or ‘csardas’, is a traditional Hungarian folk dance. The name is derived from ‘csárda’, an old Hungarian term for roadside tavern and restaurant. It originated in Hungary and was popularised by bands in Hungary as well as the neighbouring lands of Slovakia, Slovenia, Transylvania, etc.
Hungarian Dog Breeds
Hungarian dog breeds are referred to in English by their original Hungarian names. Vizsla might be the most widely known among these breeds, but all of them can be loyal companions.
Puli: “More fully Hungarian Puli is a breed of large black, grey, or white sheepdog characterized by a long, thick coat with a corded appearance.” – Oxford English Dictionary
Komondor: “Large, powerful, shaggy-coated white dogs of Hungarian origin that are used to guard sheep” – Merriam-Webster
Kuvasz: “A large, white, long-coated Hungarian breed of dog used as a guard dog” – Oxford English Dictionary
Vizsla: They are short-coated, golden-brown hunting dogs, specifically “pointers, with large pendant ears” – Oxford English Dictionary. They are robust but rather lightly built; they are lean dogs that have defined muscles.
Pumi: “It is a medium-sized alert, intelligent, energetic, and agile Hungarian herding breed” – American Kennel Club
It is not uncommon that bears come from Slovakia to Hungary, but they never stay for too long, and they do not mate in the country at all. It now seems that this trend has changed in the case of the mother bear and her bear cubs that were spotted by a camera trap in the Bükk National Park.
Botond Bakó, the zoologic rapporteur of the national park, told Sokszínű Vidék that a young, probably 1-year-old bear cub was spotted by a camera trap in the Gotva estate near Pásztó, Northern Hungary. In the photo it took, there was another animal, but it could not be identified precisely because of the low quality of the photo.
Even so, it can happen that the mother bear is wandering together with two bear cubs, he added. Mothers
intensely protect their children for 2-3 or even 4 years
because male bears would kill them to mate with females as soon as possible.
When it comes to the deer corpse they found on the estate, Mr Bakó was not sure that it was killed by a bear since they are mostly herbivores and scavengers. They hunt animals only if they are old or injured.
He added that
bears come to Hungary regularly from Slovakia.
These animals have huge territories, and they can wander 51-80 kilometres at night to search for food or during mating season. They come to Hungary because human activities like woodcutting or hunting disturb them in Slovakia.
Hungarian experts try to track down and follow all bears. However, bears are active only at night and hide very successfully, so it is hard not to lose sight of them.
But why is that so important?
Mother bears protecting their bear cubs can pose a serious threat to everybody, including people. Therefore, they attack everybody who they think can endanger their offspring. Experts of the national park provide information to local people and others interested in what they can do in such situations. Bears are not afraid of humans, but they try to hide from us, so if we go to a forest, we should make noise to avoid an undesired encounter.
Mr Bakó said that the bear family spotted near Pásztó could already be back in Slovakia.
The husbandry of Lipizzaner horses and Hungarian string music traditions have been submitted for the title of intangible world cultural heritage.
The submissions will be evaluated in December 2021, the Szentendre Open-Air Museum, which oversees Hungarian applications, said on Tuesday.
The husbandry of Lipizzaner horses, first bred under the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, has been submitted by Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, the countries currently breeding Lipizzaners, the museum said.
Hungarian string folk music, which have been the cornerstone of Hungarian musical traditions for centuries, was submitted by Hungary alone. Traditional string music has been strengthened by the dance house movement starting in the 1970s and by accredited education, and continues to be a “lifestyle for folk musicians in Hungary”, it said.
Together, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia and Romania requested Lipizzan horse-breeding to be added to UNESCO’S Intangible Cultural Heritage list at the end of 2017.
UNESCO is to decide about adding it to the list at their World Heritage Committee’s annual congress, in December of 2020, reported Sokszínű Vidék. The Slovenian government handed in the official application to UNESCO’s Parisian office.
The traditional breeding of Lipizzan horses is part of the Croatian cultural heritage in Baranya (Hungary), Slavonia and Syrmia (Croatia). Lipica horses are still bred in all the countries taking part in the joint application for World Heritage status.
Archduke Charles II created the breeding ground in 1580, in Lipike – Lipica today –, a part of the then-Habsburg Empire. The noble horses became famous in the Habsburg Imperial courtyard.
Hungary might be the first country to develop a defence strategy based on ecological principles.
Climate change facilitates the settlement of several pathogens to new areas and new organisms, thereby encouraging the emergence of epidemics in humans, domestic animals and crops.
However, the spread of pathogens can be stopped by special ecological methods – including the so-called DAMA protocol – whose application might be realised first by Hungary.
In addition to climate change, urbanization and globalization also have a positive effect on the survival and spread of pathogens. The recently emerging diseases are considered to be ecological problems; furthermore, in practical terms, today it means security threat for every country – especially for inhabitants of technologically advanced large cities.
Since we cannot stop or reverse the phenomenon, it is essential to be prepared for the most significant impacts and work out an appropriate defence strategy. One way to realise this is the development of defence strategies based on ecological principles. The Ecological Research Center is the first to use the so-called DAMA (Document, Assess, Check, Act) protocol in practice.
the procedure enables professionals to document and analyse by molecular biological methods, the spread and ecological distribution of pathogens and vertebrate hosts.
Their survivability and the risk of infection will be easily determined in the modern world surrounded by environmental conditions. The concept was developed by an international expert team, based on the work of Daniel R. Brooks, an American professor who spent most of his time in Hungary in the last 10 years.
Based on the protocol, mapping has been already realised in some smaller areas – such as the hedgehog population of Margaret Island – however, the entire country has not been monitored yet – said Gábor Földvári, researcher of the Ecological Research Center.
Biting mosquitos are among the most critical sources of pathogens. Nearly one million deaths are caused by them every year – mostly in tropical areas; but in the last few years, it has concerned the European continent as well. Due to the globalisation of trade, several non-native mosquito species got into Europe that can diffuse more dangerous pathogens than the European species.
In Hungary, three indigenous mosquito species have been observed in the last ten years – the Asian tiger mosquito, another Asian mosquito and the Korean mosquito.
Another dangerous source of pathogens are ticks. The bloodsucker diffuses dozens of viruses, bacteria and protozoan parasites that spread the bacterium of Lyme disease. Due to the significant number of migratory birds, several non-native species of ticks get into Hungary from Africa and southern Europe.
According to Gábor Földvári, the new protocol enables professionals to identify and continuously monitor the most critical pathogen vectors, beyond ticks and mosquitoes.
The researchers follow the epidemiological urban hubs, the newly emerging invasive species in the domestic fauna and the caused diseases. The aim of the Hungarian researchers is the successful implementation of DAMA-protocol and its expansion into the international research network later on.
As a result, specific pathogens and the emergence of potential pandemic outbreaks can be predicted in advance.
March 14 will mark the kickoff of the 60th anniversary season at Hungary’s one and only amusement park, open on weekends and bank holidays from mid-March to the end of April and every day of the week from May 1, the day it first opened back in 1960. To embrace tradition while also catering to those looking for new thrills, their repertoire will include both timeless classics and awesome novelties.
In addition to the careful maintenance of their machineries, several rides have also undergone a visual overhaul and now await the season start in their full glory. Cherished for their great history and beautiful craftsmanship, the magnificent steeds of the Horse Carousel are now as good as new, and so is the Duck Train, a true family favorite.
As part of their continued modernization, last year the institution introduced a number of convenience services such as online ticket sale and a free visitor WiFi network on the entire premises.
There is no season without novelties at the Amusement Park – especially so this jubilee year. Those interested in acrobatic exercises are welcome to try their new four-person bungee trampoline, fit for all ages and skill levels, as early as March 14. Further works are also underway, so you can expect a number of overhauls, new designs and entirely new attractions before summer.
Hungary is home for some fantastic animals, known for their incredible racing abilities or other talents. These three Hungarian animals earned incredible achievements and the recognition of a whole nation.
Magyarországom collected three Hungarian animals everyone should know about as they wrote themselves into the history books.
Mancs
The male dog Mancs was born in Miskolc in 1994 alongside his eleven siblings. When he was six months old, his owner noticed that he cannot use one of his legs properly. The vet examined the animal and stated that one of his bones in his leg that was causing the problem, but with a piece of specialised equipment, they managed to heal the dog.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Alensha
Mancs has been to every area where enormous natural disasters happened and saved many people trapped under collapsed houses and buildings with his incredibly sensitive smelling.
Many could thank Mancs their lives, and while he was still alive, he received a statue in Miskolc. Because of his unique training, he could also swim and signed if he saw live or dead persons in the water. This ability and the many rescue missions made him the number one rescue dog in Hungary.
In 2006, he got pneumonia and died later on. Mancs was buried in his owner’s yard, and in a short period, his statue became one of the most visited spots of Miskolc.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Kincsem
The most famous mare horse of Hungary was born in Kisbér (Komárom-Esztergom County) in 1874 although many historians believe that his birthplace was Tápiószentmárton. Her father was a British Thoroughbred (the most famous horse breed in the world) while the mother belonged to the noble family of Esterházy, both with exquisite physical appearance and special raising.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Emil Adam
Kincsem’s best friend was a black and white female cat who accompanied the animal to every race she participated in. In the history of Kincsem, out of his fifty-four races, she won all of them and never lost any.
Kincsem was very sensitive to the drinking water. When she was unimpressed with its quality, she did not drink for many days. In another case, the animal’s best friend the cat got lost in Boulogne where Kincsem took part in a competition and the whole Hungarian staff searched day and night to find it. Without the cat, Kincsem was depressed and lost his enthusiasm.
On March 17, 1887, after a sudden infection, Kincsem died. In 2007, Hungarian astronomer Krisztián Sárneczky discovered an asteroid and decided to name it Kincsem in honour of Hungary’s most famous animal. Kincsem’s skeleton can be seen at The Museum and Library of Hungarian Agriculture in Budapest.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Emil Adam
Overdose
Born in 2005, Overdose in considered to be the descendant of Kincsem as the stallion animal was the most successful one in the 2000s and the beginning of the 2010s. He was the most rewarding racehorse in Europe and won over 30 competitions.
His estimated value was approximately 5 million EUR.
Overdose was the most successful horse after Kincsem in Hungary. In 2015, due to severe illness and a tragically ended medical procedure he died on July 1.
