Dear hunters,

We wish to inform you about a significant outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) affecting livestock in Hungary and Slovakia. This highly contagious viral disease impacts cloven-hoofed animals, including deer, posing a potential risk to wildlife populations and hunting activities.​(source: gov.uk)

Current Situation:

• Hungary: The first FMD case in over 50 years was confirmed on March 7, 2025, at a cattle farm in Kisbajcs. A second outbreak was reported on March 26, 2025, in Levél, near the Austrian border, leading to the culling of thousands of cattle to contain the spread. 

• Slovakia: The country reported its first FMD cases in half a century on March 21, 2025, affecting cattle farms in Medveďov, Ňárad, and Baka. A fourth outbreak was confirmed on March 25, 2025, in Lúč na Ostrove, prompting the Slovak government to declare a state of emergency to implement stringent containment measures. ​https://hungarytoday.hu/state-of-emergency-declared-in-slovakia-due-to-foot-and-mouth-disease/

Impact on Hunting Activities:

Given the severity of the outbreak, several countries have imposed restrictions:

• Austria: Implemented a ban on the import of live animals susceptible to FMD, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and certain animal products such as fresh meat and raw milk from Hungary and Slovakia. Additionally, targeted border controls are in place to prevent the illegal transport of animals or animal products with new border restrictions between Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. ​https://trans.info/en/fmdborder-checks-407533

• United Kingdom: Extended import bans to include Austria, following the proximity of the Hungarian outbreak to the Austrian border. The ban encompasses cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, wild ruminants, and their untreated products. https://www.pig-world.co.uk/news/uk-fmd-ban-extended-to-austria-after-latest-hungary-outbreak.html

Recommendations for Bowhunters:

1. Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates from official veterinary and agricultural authorities in your country and the countries you plan to visit.​

2. Verify Restrictions: Before planning any hunting trips to affected regions, confirm the current import and movement restrictions related to animal products, trophies, and equipment.​

3. Enhance Biosecurity: Implement strict biosecurity measures, including disinfecting equipment and clothing before and after hunting, to prevent potential disease transmission.​

4. Report Suspicions: If you observe any signs of illness in wildlife or livestock during your activities, report them immediately to local veterinary authorities.​

For more detailed information on Foot-and-Mouth Disease, including transmission, symptoms, and prevention, please refer to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) resource.

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines to help prevent the further spread of FMD and protect our hunting traditions.

Stay safe and vigilant,

European Bowhunting Federation