Ukraine has introduced restrictions on the import of certain categories of cargo from Hungary due to the detection of cases of foot-and-mouth disease in animals. This was reported by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection (State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection), referring to data from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the European Union.

Cases of this dangerous viral disease recorded in Hungary have forced the Ukrainian side to take precautionary measures to protect its own livestock. Foot-and-mouth disease affects domestic and wild ungulates, causing significant economic losses due to the rapid spread of the infection and the need to introduce quarantine restrictions.

In order to prevent the introduction of the foot-and-mouth disease pathogen into the territory of Ukraine, the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection has adopted a decision on a temporary ban on the import from Hungary of:

- live animals susceptible to the foot-and-mouth disease virus;
- genetic material of animals;
- raw materials and products of animal origin that may be potentially infected.

The restrictions taken are aimed at minimizing the risks of the spread of the virus among Ukrainian livestock and preventing economic losses in the agricultural sector.

The State Service for Food and Consumer Protection continues to carefully monitor the epizootic situation, exercising control both at the state border and within the country. Ukrainian producers and importers are recommended to closely monitor updates of official information on restrictions and sanitary requirements.