Foot-and-mouth (FMD), the most common disease in Hungary since 1973, was first detected on March 7, this year in a dairy herd in Kisbajcs.
The outbreak spread quickly to other areas, such as Rabapordany and Level. Hungary’s Government imposed biosecurity to stop the spread.
On March 21, it was discovered that the outbreak had spread beyond Hungary. It was detected in three farms of Slovakia, which is a neighbouring country.
How long can the epidemic last?
After the detection of FMD by Slovakia, a second case was reported in Hungary. Biosecurity has been stepped up to the max, with measures such as movement controls, sanitation, surveillance, and stamping-out measures.
The World Organisation for Animal Health reports that 8,422 animal have been culled directly as a result of the outbreaks. This figure does not include animals culled around outbreaks.
Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic, among others, have all closed their borders to Hungary.
The epidemic has had an effect on commodity prices. According to Rutika Ghodekar of Expana, the beef market reporter, prices of beef have increased in recent months because of the limited supply of cattle available for slaughter.
Despite the fact that a case was found in Hungary, on April 17th, no other cases were discovered.
The WOAH can’t declare an outbreak ended until at least three months have passed after the death of the last animal and slaughtering all vaccinated livestock.
The incubation period of FMD ranges between 2 and 14 days. This means the chances of another FMD case are low, but it is still too early to rule out the possibility.
What is the foot and mouth disease?
The foot-and-mouth virus is usually seen in sheep, cattle, and goats. “cloven-footed ruminants” (WOAH). The main symptom is blisters. They can appear on the lips, nose or tongue. Also, they may occur on teats and inside of the mouth. Fever, depression, hypersalivation and loss of appetite are also symptoms. It is more deadly to young animals and not so much for adults. Humans are not at risk.
How has the virus spread?
Germany discovered FMD on a herd near Berlin in January of this year. In response, biosecurity was stepped-up in Germany, while other countries such as South Korea and Mexico banned some German meat.
In Germany, however, the outbreak was contained fairly rapidly. After the initial case in January, no new cases were found. On March 12, WOAH announced that the FMD was eradicated in the vast majority of Germany. Containment measures remained in place through April 11.
In Hungary, multiple cases were detected both in Hungary and abroad. Why are the two outbreaks so different?
The disease may have spread more rapidly in Hungary and Slovakia than in Germany in January. The virus load and density of cattle, as well as transmission factors like animal movements and wind are all included. The national epidemiological study will provide accurate insight into the spread of the disease.