Outbreak Sparks Closure of Hungarian Zoo

The news in Hungarian

Translation

One of the zoos in Hungary has been closed due to an animal disease. The Győr Zoo has been temporarily closed because of foot-and-mouth disease. The outbreak occurred on a farm near Kisbajcs. The affected animals are being monitored, and any animals exposed to the virus must not be moved. The disease spreading among the animals is not dangerous to humans.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: Why was the Hungarian zoo closed?

The zoo was closed because of foot-and-mouth disease.

Question 2: Is the disease dangerous to humans?

No, the disease is not dangerous to humans.

Exercise: Vocabulary

Read the full story

▌08/03/2025

A resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary has led to the temporary closure of the Győr Zoo as part of rigorous measures to curb the virus's spread. Hungarian authorities have responded swiftly to the first outbreak of the disease in over 50 years, confirmed in early March at a cattle farm near the village of Kisbajcs in north-west Hungary. The farm hosts approximately 1,400 cattle, all of which are now under quarantine.

The National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) was alerted by a veterinarian at the farm on March 5th. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the virus the next day. The infected cattle exhibited classic symptoms, including high fever and characteristic blisters around the mouth and hooves, leading to immediate containment measures.

In response, Hungarian Chief Veterinary Officer Pásztor Szabolcs announced comprehensive restrictions across the Transdanubia region affected by the outbreak. These include a temporary halt to the export of susceptible livestock and a strict ban on the movement of such animals within specific zones for at least 72 hours. After this period, animals may only be transported for immediate slaughter.

In addition to the farm quarantine, a 10-kilometre surveillance zone is in place around the infected farm. All farms within this zone are under scrutiny, and samples have been collected for virus testing. Wildlife management has also been impacted, with hunting banned in the area.

Outbreak Sparks Closure of Hungarian Zoo (Illustration)

The detection of this highly contagious virus has broader implications as the outbreak coincides with a critical shipping period for Hungary's sheep industry, which typically exports lambs ahead of Easter. This has raised concerns among agricultural organizations, although officials hope the outbreak can be swiftly contained.

Another significant measure is the closure of the Győr Zoo, home to several endangered species susceptible to the disease. To safeguard these animals, zoo officials decided to close its doors pending further notice. This precautionary step aims to minimize risk and stabilise the situation, ensuring no cross-contamination occurs among zoo inhabitants.

Despite the rapid response, the disease's economic impact is anticipated to be significant. As such, both Nébih and Hungary's Ministry of Agriculture are conducting a full epidemiological investigation to comprehend the extent of the virus's spread and its possible origins. Authorities urge livestock keepers to adhere strictly to biosecurity regulations and report any suspicious symptoms immediately.

Although the virus does not pose a threat to human health, the risk of economic disruption remains high due to its implications on trade and agriculture. With stringent measures now in place, officials remain vigilant in their effort to prevent further dissemination of this formidable animal disease.

Info: "Hungarian Learner News" is a service from "Let's Learn Hungarian", a dedicated language school offering various types of online courses. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your fluency, our programmes cater to all levels and are designed to fit your schedule. Explore more about our Hungarian language course options today.

Advanced: Reports from Hungary