Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Strikes Central Europe, Triggering Culls and Border Closures

Central Europe is grappling with a serious outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), first detected in northwestern Hungary, which has led to extensive border closures and the culling of thousands of cattle. The disease, highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals, has spread to Slovakia, prompting both countries to ramp up containment measures, including disinfection efforts and monitoring of farms. Hungarian officials have suggested the possibility of an artificially engineered virus, with speculation of a biological attack, although these claims are not yet substantiated. As of now, no new domestic infections have been reported, and authorities are focusing on strict compliance with health regulations to prevent further spread. In light of the outbreak, affected farmers will receive financial assistance to mitigate their losses. The situation remains critical, with international concerns arising over the potential for the disease to impact global agriculture.