Maul and claw disease: Tierpark Berlin remains closed!

The Berlin Zoo remains closed until further notice to protect the animals from the mouth and claw disease (MKS). This was announced today and the decision is made in coordination with the Lichtenberg district office. The closure came into force on January 10, 2025

The MKS has reached Berlin after the first outbreak has been found in water buffalos in the Brandenburg district of Märkisch-Oderland. In the course of the epidemic control, a blocking circuit was set up, which also includes the Berlin Zoo. A total of eleven buffalos, several sheep and around 200 pigs in the area have already been killed in order to prevent the virus from spreading.

measures to combat displacement

The crisis staff animal diseases in the Senate Department for Consumer Protection has started its work. The state crisis center for animal diseases has also been activated. In Berlin-Marzahn-Hellersdorf there are several small animal husbandry within the restricted zones that can affect up to 120 claw animals.

The MKS is a highly contagious viral disease, which is particularly dangerous for a shoemen, but is practically not transferred to humans. The disease can also spread in the wild animal population, which is why the early detection of infections is decisive to prevent spreading. If animals fall ill, there can be high fever, loss of appetite, apathy and blistering on the mouth, the tongue, the claws and teats.

Authorities inform that if an infection proof in an operation, the entire animal population is killed and a thorough disinfection is carried out. Germany and the EU have long been considered free of MKS, but there is a risk of insertion by illegally imported animal products from affected regions.

Further information on the closure of the zoo and the current measures were also made by Tagesspiegel , which underlines the urgency of these preventive measures. The closure is not only to protect the animals of the zoo, but is also responsible for general security in the region.