African Swine Fever in Hungary: Are the Balaton-Area Farms at Risk?

African swine fever reaching Hungary also directly affects the southern shore of Lake Balaton. In Somogy county, authorities are liquidating an entire pig farm due to the virus, which is a worrying development for locals and holidaymakers in the area. According to NÉBIH data, the disease has also been detected in domestic pigs, so immediate measures have come into effect. The hunting ban on wild boar applies fully in the infected areas – only diagnostic shooting is permitted, and all shot animals must be disposed of. This also affects the forests around Lake Balaton, where the wild boar population is significant. The local hunting rights holders may only use the animals for their own consumption or have the trophy prepared after the negative PCR test arrives. Until then, strict storage rules apply to them. The settlements along Lake Balaton, especially on the Somogy side, can feel the effects: from a tourism perspective, it is important that visitors can swim peacefully, but local farms and wildlife management players are forced to exercise increased caution. Authorities can also track the measures on an interactive map, so locals and holidaymakers alike can find out about risky zones. 🐗🌊 The epidemiological situation does not directly affect the beach season for now, but responsible behavior – such as avoiding consumption of wild meat from unknown sources – is particularly important now in the Lake Balaton area.

Source: portal.nebih.gov.hu