Germany confronts first foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in 40 years

GERMANY – Germany is grappling with its first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in nearly four decades, a development that has sent shockwaves through the nation’s agricultural sector. 

The highly contagious disease was detected in a herd of water buffalo in Märkisch-Oderland, Brandenburg, prompting swift containment efforts.  

The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Germany’s National Reference Laboratory for FMD, is spearheading investigations to trace the outbreak’s source and assess its scope. 

Local authorities have enacted stringent measures, including a six-day suspension of animal transport in affected areas and enhanced biosecurity protocols, to halt the disease’s spread. 

Despite these efforts, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has revoked Germany’s FMD-free status, leading to an export ban on meat, dairy, and animal products to countries outside the European Union.  

Foot-and-mouth disease poses a serious economic threat to livestock industries. While not dangerous to humans, the viral illness spreads rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, causing fever, blisters, lameness, and reduced productivity. 

Younger animals are particularly vulnerable, with higher mortality rates. The disease is known for its devastating economic consequences, as seen during the UK’s 2001 outbreak, which resulted in the culling of over 10 million animals.  

Germany’s last recorded FMD case occurred in 1988 in Lower Saxony. The current outbreak underscores the persistent global risks associated with FMD, particularly in regions where it remains endemic, such as the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia and South America. 

Illegally imported animal products from these regions are often linked to outbreaks in previously unaffected areas.  

Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir has emphasised the importance of swift action, stating that the immediate goal is to prevent further spread. 

The association of German farmers has echoed this sentiment, urging robust containment measures to safeguard the nation’s livestock industry.  

The outbreak’s economic implications are already evident. While intra-EU exports may resume under regional containment protocols, non-EU exports have been severely impacted, with countries like South Korea imposing bans on German meat products.  

As investigations continue, this crisis highlights the importance of rigorous biosecurity measures and international collaboration to mitigate the risks of FMD. 

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