Anthrax confirmed in cattle herd in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén

The National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) has confirmed the presence of anthrax in a cattle herd in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, Hungary, following the sudden death of six animals. The cattle died abruptly without exhibiting typical symptoms of the disease. The infection is believed to have originated from a nearby pasture contaminated with anthrax spores.

In response, the district chief veterinarian has ordered an immediate local lockdown and initiated a vaccination program for the affected herd. Anthrax is a significant infectious disease that can affect both animals and humans, though it does not spread from person to person or animal to animal; infections stem from a common source. Spores can remain infectious in the soil for decades and may resurface due to environmental factors such as soil disturbance, flooding, or drought.

While anthrax is relatively rare in Hungary, with recent cases identified in 2019 and 2025, authorities emphasize that the infection is treatable with antibiotics and can be prevented through vaccination.