Foot and mouth disease in Brandenburg: Minister warns of danger!

On January 10, 2025, an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was confirmed in water buffalo in the Märkisch-Oderland district, Brandenburg. This highly contagious viral infection affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, as well as zoo and wild animals. Interestingly, the disease is widespread worldwide, but it has not occurred in Germany since 1988. According to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the virus is transmitted through living and inanimate vectors and can spread through the air over long distances.

After the outbreak, measures were taken immediately to kill the affected animals and set up exclusion zones. Epidemiological studies to clarify the origin of the epidemic and to identify possible contact companies are being carried out with the support of the Friedrich Loeffler Institute. In Germany, the federal states are responsible for combating animal diseases. FMD is harmless to humans; under hygienic conditions there is no danger from pasteurized milk or milk products.

readiness of the authorities

In response to this situation, the State Agriculture Minister of Baden-Württemberg, Peter Hauk, stated that the southwest is well prepared for the outbreak. Hauk emphasized the need for vigilance and quick reactions when dealing with the epidemic. He also pointed out that bird flu and African swine fever were already circulating in the southwest. Animal farming businesses in Baden-Württemberg were made aware and called upon to strengthen biosecurity measures.

The faculty institute has already examined cloven-hoofed animals for bluetongue and foot-and-mouth disease. Experts at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute also suspect that the infection may have been present in the affected animals for a long time. The situation is currently described as local in Brandenburg, and further discussions and an assessment of the situation by the institute are planned for the beginning of next week Süddeutsche.de reported.