FMD Outbreak in Slovakia
On March 20, Slovakia confirmed an FMD outbreak at three cattle farms in the town of Dunajská Streda (Trnavský District, southwestern Slovakia). According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), a total of 2,761 animals were on these farms, with 12 infected cases confirmed. All animals will be culled.
Slovakia’s Minister of Agriculture, Richard Takáč, described the outbreak as a “serious and very big problem”, stating that the infected farms each housed between 600 and 1,000 calves and dairy cows.
In response, the UK government has banned imports of Slovakian beef, pork, lamb, goat meat, and related animal products. Czech authorities have also closed borders to livestock and imposed additional veterinary checks.
The affected farms are located 30 km east of Bratislava and 10 km north of the Hungarian border.
FMD Outbreak in Hungary
Just two weeks before the Slovakian outbreak, Hungary reported a similar case. The virus was detected on a cattle farm near the village of Kisbajcs (Győr District), about 35 km from the Slovakian cases.
WOAH reports indicate that the Hungarian farm housed 1,372 cattle, with 1,064 testing positive for the virus. The close geographical proximity of the outbreaks suggests a possible link between them.
Previous FMD Case in Germany
The first FMD case in Europe in 2025 was recorded in early January in Germany. The virus was found in a small herd of water buffaloes near Berlin. Fortunately, the outbreak was isolated, and Germany regained its FMD-free status without vaccination by mid-March.
Although pigs were not directly affected, the outbreak disrupted trade and impacted livestock prices in Germany.
Economic Consequences and Risk of Further Spread
FMD is one of the most severe viral diseases affecting livestock, particularly cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals. Slovakia and Hungary had remained FMD-free for over 50 years, making these outbreaks a major concern for European livestock production.
European nations are now tightening border controls and enhancing biosecurity measures to prevent the further spread of the virus. Veterinary authorities continue to monitor farms closely, implementing strict containment protocols to safeguard the industry.
www.pigprogress.net