Budapest Takes Action to Protect Against Imported Cattle Disease

Published: December 07 2023

Hungary's National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) has implemented strict controls and restrictions to protect against the spread of a cattle disease known as bluetongue. This disease caused an epidemic in the Netherlands in September and has since spread to Germany and Belgium. In this article, we will discuss the measures taken to prevent the disease from entering Hungary and the importance of maintaining Hungary's bluetongue-free status.

Nébih has focused its controls on 59 shipments of 3,800 cattle that have arrived in Hungary since July. At the time of the restrictions, there were only 1,150 animals remaining in the country, as the rest had been exported to third countries. Out of the 1,700 samples taken, 15 have tested positive for the disease. While these cattle do not pose a risk of infection, Nébih emphasizes the importance of prevention measures such as eliminating insects that spread the virus and strict adherence to quarantine rules.

Since the implementation of the restrictions, there have been no imports of cattle, sheep, or goats into Hungary. Additionally, it is noted that the mosquitoes that spread the disease are no longer active in the cold weather. Despite this, Nébih advises farmers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing livestock from the affected countries.

Preserving Hungary's bluetongue-free status is vital for the country's livestock industry. It is essential to continue implementing preventative measures to ensure that the disease does not enter the country. Farmers should remain vigilant and adhere to the guidelines provided by Nébih to protect their animals and maintain the country's bluetongue-free status.

Hungary has taken decisive action to protect against the spread of bluetongue, a dangerous cattle disease. Through strict controls, import restrictions, and preventative measures, the country aims to preserve its bluetongue-free status and safeguard its livestock industry. Farmers are urged to be cautious when purchasing stock from affected countries and to prioritize following the guidelines provided by Nébih.

What is the purpose of the controls implemented by Nébih in Hungary? The controls implemented by Nébih in Hungary are aimed at protecting against an imported cattle disease called bluetongue.

Which countries have experienced an epidemic of bluetongue? Bluetongue caused an epidemic in the Netherlands in September, and then spread across the German and Belgian borders in October.

What is the focus of the controls implemented by Nébih in Hungary? The controls implemented by Nébih in Hungary are focused on 59 shipments of 3,800 cattle that have arrived in Hungary since July.

How many positive samples have been returned so far out of the total samples collected in Hungary? So far, 15 out of a total of 1,700 samples collected in Hungary have tested positive for bluetongue.

Do the positive cattle samples pose a danger of infection? According to the authority, the positive cattle samples do not pose a danger of infection.

What measures are essential in preserving Hungary's bluetongue-free status? Prevention measures such as eliminating insects that spread the virus and strict observation of quarantine rules are essential in preserving Hungary's bluetongue-free status.

Have any cattle, sheep, or goat imports arrived in Hungary since the introduction of restrictions? No, according to the authority, no cattle, sheep, or goat imports have arrived in Hungary since the introduction of restrictions.

What is the current activity level of mosquitoes that spread the disease in Hungary? The authority has stated that mosquitoes that spread the disease are no longer active in the cold weather.

What is the advice given to farmers in Hungary regarding buying stock from the affected countries? Farmers in Hungary are advised to exercise extreme caution when buying stock from the countries affected by bluetongue.