World renowned achievements of Hungarian veterinary science

temporary exhibition

• Giants of microbiology and the Hungarian Royal State Institute of Bacteriology
• Inventors and innovators
• The work of Ferenc Hutyra and József Marek
• On the international stage
• Masters and students

In Hungary the first and ever since the only veterinary training institution was founded in 1787 which may also be considered as the beginning of veterinary science. Alexander Tolnay, founder of the veterinary school, returned to Hungary from Vienna with the works of his professor Wolstein in his package and laid the foundations of Hungarian veterinary terminology by translating these books.

The training of veterinarians developed in close connection with animal health in Hungary. Vilmos Zlamál, professor of the veterinary department and clinic, had become the first chief veterinarian („regni veterinarius” in 1838) and his followers also played an important role in the scientific support of veterinary service, in the elimination of devastating epidemics, in the organization of an effective veterinary and food control service, and in the elaboration of its legal background.

Fighting devastating animal diseases and epidemics had an outstanding economic significance already in the 19th century, and freedom of the diseases is an important competitive edge in the international market. The series of discoveries in microbiology marked a new era in the development of medicine which had always inspired veterinarians. Difficulties arising and the scientific solutions which came into being to overcome these have spurred the dedicated professors of the Hungarian Royal Veterinary School, Academy and later College with outstanding talents for fantastic achievements which took Hungarian veterinary science and animal health to the forefront of the world. There were two decisive personalities of the period, Ferenc Hutÿra, the long-sited organiser, and Jozsef Marek, the inventive scholar.

The most concentrated presentation of Hungarian veterinary science took place at the turn of the 19-20th centuries at exhibitions and congresses. The discoveries and inventions including diseases, bacteria, viruses, procedures, medicines, and tools, are still named after the representatives of this period all over the world, and made Hungarian veterinary science well-known. There is also an important circulation of knowledge that has always characterized our veterinary school. Our professors have been visiting foreign institutions and still do so to incorporate best practices into training, or to participate in international research projects. Our students also wonder the world or come from different countries and return there taking the experience and knowledge of 225 years with them.