Source: Reuters
Hungary has confirmed its first-ever case of African swine fever (ASF) in domestic pigs, prompting authorities to order the culling of approximately 3,000 pigs at a farm in the eastern village of Vallaj. ASF is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease affecting pigs, though it poses no risk to humans.
Hungarian officials have launched an epidemiological investigation to determine how the virus entered the herd and whether it has spread further. Protection and surveillance zones have been established around the affected farm to help contain the outbreak. ASF has caused major disruptions to the global pork industry after spreading from Africa into Europe and Asia, resulting in the loss of hundreds of millions of pigs and triggering trade restrictions. Recent outbreaks have also been reported in countries including Croatia, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Estonia.
Authorities warn the outbreak could have significant economic consequences for Hungary’s swine industry, which had approximately 2.9 million domestic pigs at the end of 2025.