DAERA urges vigilance following Foot and Mouth outbreak

Date published: 7 March 2025

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has reiterated his call for livestock owners in Northern Ireland to remain vigilant following a second case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Europe.

The outbreak is in a cattle herd located in Hungary, near the border with Slovakia.

Strict controls are in place restricting the importation of animals and animal products from FMD-affected countries. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is closely monitoring the situation and can confirm that there has been no movement of susceptible species into Northern Ireland from Hungary or Slovakia during the established risk window.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting certain livestock and wildlife. It spreads rapidly through direct and indirect transmission, including airborne spread under favourable climatic conditions. The virus can also be transported physically via contaminated animals, persons, vehicles and equipment.

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said: 
“Having a second case on the continent in Hungary should give us all a cause for concern. Foot and Mouth outbreak in Hungary is a clear reminder that we must continue to adhere to excellent biosecurity and responsible sourcing. We all have to play our part to keep this devastating disease out of our livestock and wildlife."

Brian Dooher, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, said: 
“DAERA requests the support of all stakeholders in staying vigilant and promptly reporting any unusual symptoms in livestock. These measures are essential to safeguarding our livestock and protecting the vital agricultural sector across Northern Ireland.”

Hungarian authorities have implemented all necessary control measures, including disease control zones, and are undertaking depopulation of the affected premises.

This is the second confirmed FMD outbreak in Europe in 2025, following a previous case in Germany. On 10 January 2025, Germany reported FMD in a small herd of water buffalo in Brandenburg, north of Berlin. That outbreak was successfully contained, with no further cases reported.

FMD has serious consequences for animal health, trade and industry. The 2001 FMD outbreak across the UK resulted in the culling of approximately 6.5million animals and had an estimated economic impact of £8billion. This was the last time the disease was detected in Northern Ireland.

FMD is not a threat to public health. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirms that products of animal origin remain safe for consumption.

Further updates will be provided on the DAERA website as the situation develops.