
Stockholm – A recent outbreak of the dreaded foot-and-mouth disease has been reported in a herd of dairy cows in Hungary.
Earlier this year, in January, the disease was also identified in a small group of water buffaloes in Germany, as noted by the Swedish National Veterinary Institute.
The occurrence of two outbreaks within the EU in such a brief period is considered “highly unusual,” according to Karl Ståhl, Sweden’s state epizootiologist.
He stated, “The outbreak in Germany came as a surprise and served as a wake-up call for the entire EU, highlighting the fact that foot-and-mouth disease can emerge unexpectedly, even in Sweden,” in a statement on the National Veterinary Institute’s website.
It is important to note that the virus found in Hungary is unrelated to the one identified in Germany, and there is no shared source of infection.
Karl Ståhl emphasizes that animal owners must remain vigilant, as early detection is crucial for controlling the spread of the disease.
Currently, the risk of the disease spreading to Sweden is assessed as very low.
(March 17)













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