Key facts
- African swine fever has been reported in domestic pigs in Hungary for the first time.
- Authorities ordered the culling of 3,000 pigs on a farm in Vallaj.
- The virus is highly contagious and deadly to pigs, but harmless to humans.
- An epidemiological investigation is underway to determine the origin and spread.
- Protection and surveillance zones have been established around the affected farm.
Hungarian authorities have ordered the culling of approximately 3,000 pigs on a farm in the village of Vallaj, located in the eastern county of Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg. This marks the first reported instance of African swine fever in domestic pigs within Hungary. The virus, while not harmful to humans, is highly contagious and deadly to pigs, posing a significant risk to the agricultural sector. An epidemiological investigation is currently in progress to ascertain the origin of the infection and assess its potential for further spread. In response, authorities have established designated protection and surveillance zones surrounding the affected farm. African swine fever has previously spread across Europe and Asia, resulting in widespread culling of pigs, trade restrictions, and impacts on global meat markets. Hungary's domestic pig population was approximately 2.9 million at the end of 2025, according to the Central Statistics Office.