Germany continues to grapple with the first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in over 35 years, as pre-emptive culling of livestock escalates. On January 11, 2025, authorities confirmed the slaughter of 55 goats, sheep, and three cattle on a farm in Schöneiche, located in Brandenburg state, after the virus was detected in the region.
The outbreak, which has been traced to a buffalo farm in Hönow, where the disease was initially confirmed, prompted swift action. The farm in Schöneiche had recently purchased hay from the affected farm, raising concerns about the spread of the highly contagious virus. In response, a 72-hour ban on the transportation of livestock, including cows, pigs, goats, and sheep, has been imposed to prevent further transmission.
Authorities have worked quickly to contain the outbreak, and investigations indicate that the disease remains confined to the two farms in Schöneiche and Hönow. “So far, the samples being analyzed have not yielded any additional positive results,” said Hanka Mittelstädt, Brandenburg’s Minister of Agriculture.
However, officials are cautious. “Whether the 72-hour transport ban will be extended or if additional measures will be implemented remains under consideration,” Mittelstädt added.
Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir expressed concern but stressed that it was too early to declare the outbreak contained. “At this stage, we cannot confirm whether the disease will remain isolated to one farm or spread to others,” Özdemir said. “We are conducting rigorous testing to ensure we can contain the outbreak.”
The consequences of this outbreak are significant, as Germany’s agricultural sector generates approximately €10 billion annually from animal product exports. The United Kingdom is Germany’s largest customer for these goods. The loss of Berlin’s FMD-free status also means that veterinary certificates for exports outside the European Union are no longer valid.
Özdemir acknowledged the likely impact on Germany’s exports of dairy, meat, hides, skins, and blood products. “We assume that third countries will impose immediate bans on such goods from Germany,” he said, further complicating export opportunities.
FMD, a disease that causes fever and painful mouth blisters in cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats, was once widespread globally. Decades ago, the disease prompted extensive culling campaigns to curb its spread. Though FMD poses no risk to humans through contact or consumption of infected animal products, it remains a highly contagious virus among livestock.
While FMD remains common in parts of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America, Europe had largely remained free of the disease until now. The disease was once controlled through systematic vaccination programs, which were discontinued in the early 1990s following Europe’s certification as FMD-free. Since then, cases of FMD in Europe have remained rare.
Authorities are now focusing on containing the outbreak and preventing any further spread of the virus in the coming days.
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