Europe on Alert Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks; Concerns Mount Over Possible Biological Threat

 Brussels: A growing wave of concern is sweeping across Europe following confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia — prompting border closures, heightened biosecurity measures, and fears of a potential biological threat.

The resurgence of the highly contagious animal virus — the first such occurrence within the European Union in decades — was initially identified in Germany in January. Subsequent detections in Hungary and Slovakia have further escalated the crisis, particularly due to the disease's potential to severely disrupt agricultural production across the continent.

While foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a risk to human health, it is known for its rapid spread among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, and sheep. The economic implications for affected countries are substantial, with livestock culling, trade restrictions, and containment efforts costing millions.

In Hungary, authorities confirmed the presence of the virus on a cattle farm near the country’s northwestern border. Thousands of animals have already been culled in an effort to control the outbreak. Significantly, Hungarian officials have raised the possibility of an unnatural origin for the virus.

“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,” said Gergely Gulyás, Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. No further details were provided regarding potential sources or responsible parties, according to reports by Mirror UK.

The regional response has been swift. Austria and Slovakia have temporarily closed dozens of border crossings with Hungary. Disinfection zones have been established, and vehicles crossing borders are being subjected to decontamination by personnel in hazmat suits. Slovakia has activated its Central Crisis Staff to manage the containment strategy, while border checks have been intensified around Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

Ireland, which has remained free of foot-and-mouth disease since 2001, has also issued a high-level alert. The Department of Agriculture has indicated that any domestic outbreak would trigger immediate emergency protocols, including livestock culls, movement restrictions, and quarantine zones.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon expressed serious concern over the developments: “The news of three outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Slovakia is very concerning. I know this is a terrible blow to Slovak farmers and their agri-food industry.”

He further appealed to citizens, particularly those returning from affected regions, to exercise caution: “Given the highly contagious nature of the FMD virus, I urge everyone in Ireland, particularly farmers, to continue to stay vigilant and to protect our Irish livestock. Those travelling to Ireland from FMD-affected countries should take every precaution not to bring the disease with them via contaminated meat, dairy and materials such as clothing, shoes and equipment.”

As investigations continue, veterinary and security agencies across Europe remain on high alert, working in tandem to determine the origin and extent of the outbreak.