Germany reports foot-and-mouth disease in water buffalo

Foot-and-mouth disease overview

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, sheep, and pigs. Although the disease does not pose a risk to humans, it can cause significant damage to livestock, with symptoms including fever and blisters around the mouth and hooves.

Impact of the outbreak

The outbreak affected a herd of 14 water buffalo, three of which have died. In an effort to contain the disease, the local district has ordered the culling of the remaining animals in the herd.

Government response

The German Ministry of Food and Agriculture confirmed the outbreak as the first since 1988. Exclusion zones of 3 kilometers and surveillance zones of 10 kilometers have been established to prevent further spread of the disease.

Crisis meeting convened

In response to the outbreak, Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir convened a crisis committee meeting with state officials to address the situation. The focus is on identifying the source of the virus and determining if other livestock have been infected.

Transport ban imposed

To contain the spread, Brandenburg authorities have placed a 72-hour transport ban on cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and camelids, as well as their parts, carcasses, and manure. The restrictions are effective starting Saturday.

Previous European outbreaks

In past European outbreaks, such as the 2007 outbreak in the UK, more than 2,000 animals were culled to control the virus. Similarly, hundreds of animals were culled in Bulgaria during an outbreak in 2011.

Water buffalo in Germany

Water buffalo have been farmed in Germany since the 1990s for their milk, meat, and their role in grass control on fields.