Hungary Faces First H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak of Season in Szolnok County

Hungary has reported its first outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza this season, detected in a flock of 19,700 fattening ducks in Szolnok County. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed the outbreak on October 31, 2025. The virus resulted in the death of 725 ducks, with the remaining birds culled to prevent further spread.

This incident marks the beginning of the seasonal surge of avian influenza in Europe, raising concerns about potential economic repercussions and public health risks. Hungary, a significant player in the European poultry industry, was notably affected during the 2024/25 season, accounting for more than half of the European Union's farm outbreaks.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is caused by influenza type A viruses that primarily affect birds but can infect humans and other animals. The H5N1 strain is particularly virulent, leading to high mortality rates in poultry. Transmission to humans is rare but can occur through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.

Hungary is the world's second-largest producer of foie gras, after France. The affected ducks in this outbreak were primarily bred for foie gras production, a significant industry in the country. The culling of infected flocks can lead to substantial economic losses for farmers and disrupt the supply chain, potentially affecting food prices.

The outbreak raises concerns about its impact on poultry supply, food prices, and potential human transmission. The culling of infected flocks can lead to significant economic losses for farmers and disrupt the supply chain, potentially affecting food prices. Additionally, the risk of human infection, though low, remains a public health concern.

This outbreak marks the beginning of a seasonal surge in avian flu across Europe. Similar outbreaks have been reported in neighboring countries, indicating a broader regional issue that requires coordinated efforts to manage and contain.

The recurrence of H5N1 outbreaks underscores the persistent threat of avian influenza to the region's poultry industry. The culling of infected flocks can lead to significant economic losses for farmers and disrupt the supply chain, potentially affecting food prices. Additionally, the risk of human infection, though low, remains a public health concern.

The Hungarian authorities have implemented immediate containment measures, including culling the affected flock and increasing surveillance in the region. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed the detection of the virus in a flock of 19,700 fattening ducks in Szolnok, resulting in the death of 725 birds. To prevent further spread, the remaining ducks were culled.

The recurrence of H5N1 outbreaks underscores the persistent threat of avian influenza to the region's poultry industry. The culling of infected flocks can lead to significant economic losses for farmers and disrupt the supply chain, potentially affecting food prices. Additionally, the risk of human infection, though low, remains a public health concern.

The Hungarian authorities have implemented immediate containment measures, including culling the affected flock and increasing surveillance in the region. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed the detection of the virus in a flock of 19,700 fattening ducks in Szolnok, resulting in the death of 725 birds. To prevent further spread, the remaining ducks were culled.