Germany is taking aggressive measures to combat its first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in over 35 years, with authorities initiating pre-emptive culling and movement bans to prevent the spread of the highly infectious animal disease.
On Monday, 55 goats and sheep and three cattle were culled on a farm in Schöneiche, Brandenburg, as a precaution. The outbreak was first confirmed days earlier at a buffalo farm in Hönow, where the affected Schöneiche farm had recently purchased hay.
In response, a 72-hour ban on transporting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats was enacted to limit potential transmission. Brandenburg’s Minister of Agriculture, Hanka Mittelstädt, confirmed that investigations suggest the outbreak is currently contained to the two farms involved.
“The samples currently being analysed have not shown any further positive results,” Mittelstädt stated. She added that authorities are evaluating whether to extend the 72-hour restriction or implement additional measures.
Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir expressed cautious optimism but noted that the situation remains fluid. “At this point in time, we cannot say whether it will remain with one farm or whether other farms will be affected,” Özdemir said. “Rigorous testing is ongoing to ensure containment.”
The outbreak jeopardizes Germany’s €10 billion annual animal product export market, particularly as the loss of its FMD-free status means veterinary certificates required for exports outside the European Union are no longer valid. Özdemir warned of immediate export bans on products such as milk, dairy, meat, hides, and skins from third countries.
“The goal is to ensure the disease’s containment,” Özdemir emphasized, while acknowledging the likely economic fallout for livestock farmers and export industries.
FMD, though harmless to humans, causes fever and painful blisters in cloven-hoofed animals and can spread rapidly. Historically, outbreaks required mass culling campaigns for eradication. While the disease is rare in Europe, it remains prevalent in parts of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America.
Germany’s swift response reflects lessons learned from past outbreaks as the country seeks to minimize both animal and economic losses.
