Europe Foot-And-Mouth Outbreak: Next pandemic incoming? Europe seals borders after deadly foot-and-mouth virus hits Hungary for first time in 50 years; PM raises alarm, says the virus may be man-made.
Europe Foot-And-Mouth Outbreak:In a concerning development, Europe has sealed the border, and have implemented strict travel guidelines, after Hungary reported its first outbreak of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in over 50 years. According to the reports, first identified in early March 2025 near a cattle farm in Kisbajcs, near the Slovakian border, this deadly virus outbreak has now spread to other farms in the Gy r-Moson-Sopron County.
Taking cognizance of the deteriorating situation, the officials in Hungary issued a statement where they suspected that the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that has swept through the country is the dangerous result of a “biological attack”.
The World Organisation for Animal Health said the outbreak, which was first detected on a cattle farm in the northwest near the border with Austria and Slovakia last month, has triggered border closures and the mass slaughter of cattle.
“The outbreak initially detected on a northwestern cattle farm, prompted border closures with Austria and Slovakia and mass cattle slaughtering. The outbreak has impacted Hungary’s cattle stock, representing 1.2% of the EU’s total, and led to significant losses for farmers like Paul Meixner, who had to cull 3,000 animals.”
‘The Virus Is Not Natural, Its Manmade’ – Says PM
“At this stage, we can say that it cannot be ruled out that the virus was not of natural origin, we may be dealing with an artificially engineered virus,” Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas told the media briefing.
Responding to a question, Gulyas said he could not rule out that the virus outbreak was the result of a biological attack, without giving information on who might be responsible. He also said that suspicion was based on verbal information received from a foreign laboratory and that their findings have not yet been fully proven and documented.
The resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary after five decades has placed Europe on high alert, highlighting the need for vigilant biosecurity measures and international cooperation. As authorities work to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats posed by infectious animal diseases to public health, economies, and global trade.
What Is Foot-And-Mouth Disease?
The foot-and-mouth disease, also known as FMD, is a severe, highly contagious viral illness that poses no danger to humans but causes fever and mouth blisters in cloven-hoofed ruminants such as cattle, swine, sheep, and goats, and outbreaks often lead to trade restrictions.
The virus transmits via the foot-and-mouth disease virus, and the infection spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated feed, equipment, or even through the air over short distances.
What happens to the body after catching the virus? Studies have shown that once infected, animals typically develop painful blisters and sores in the mouth and on their feet, leading to excessive drooling, lameness, fever, and a significant drop in milk production or weight gain. While the disease rarely kills adult animals, it can be fatal for young livestock and can cripple entire herds in a matter of days, leading to devastating economic losses.
Can The Virus Jump To Humans And Trigger The Next Pandemic?
Though foot-and-mouth disease poses little risk to human health and is extremely rare in humans, its impact on the agriculture industry is massive. A single outbreak can prompt mass culling of animals, strict trade bans, and border closures, costing billions in lost revenue. The reason for Europe’s heightened concern is that Hungary has reported its first FMD outbreak in over 50 years, raising fears of a widespread epidemic. The government’s rapid response includes sealing borders, suspending animal movement, and initiating disinfection and surveillance protocols. Speculation that the virus may not have originated naturally, as suggested by Hungarian officials, is further intensifying regional alarm and calls for global vigilance.