Hungary deploys military to contain foot-and-mouth disease
04/04/2025
The country’s first case in over 50 years was detected on a cattle farm in March and has since spread to two more farms in Gyor-Moson-Sopron county, affecting 3,500 cattle. Neighbouring Slovakia has also reported outbreaks at five locations and stepped up containment efforts.
Agriculture Minister Istvan Nagy said authorities are working to prevent further outbreaks, with disinfection points set up at border crossings and highway exits. Hungary’s National Food Chain Safety Office confirmed cases at four farms, while tests at more than 600 others were negative.
The defence ministry has not disclosed the number of soldiers involved. Hungary’s cattle population stands at 861,000, accounting for 1.2% of the EU’s total. Foot-and-mouth disease does not affect humans but can cause fever and mouth blisters in livestock, often leading to trade restrictions.
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