Urgent Notice: Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Outbreak in Germany
Published: Friday, 10 January 2025
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the German state of Brandenburg, marking the first occurrence of the disease in Germany since 1988. The outbreak was detected in water buffalo, and German authorities have already implemented strict containment measures to prevent its spread.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-footed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. While the disease poses no risk to human health or food safety, it carries devastating economic consequences, including production losses and trade restrictions for affected regions.
Guidance for England-Based Veterinarians and Stakeholders:
DEFRA has issued precautionary restrictions, advising that the following commodities from Germany be held immediately:
Live ruminants and porcines
Ruminant and porcine germplasm
Untreated meat and meat products from ruminants and porcines
Untreated dairy and dairy products
Untreated animal by-products from ruminants and porcines
Hay and straw
About Foot-and-Mouth Disease:
FMD is a notifiable disease caused by the Aphthovirus, which affects cloven-footed animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and deer. Key facts about FMD:
Transmission: FMD spreads through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated objects (vehicles, clothing, boots), or airborne particles.
Clinical Signs: Drooling, lameness, smacking of lips, and vesicles (blisters) on the tongue, gums, coronary bands, and other areas.
Impact: FMD is not fatal in most cases, but it causes severe production losses, including decreased milk yield, sterility, chronic lameness, and abortion.
For more detailed information, refer to the FMD Disease Card below.
WOAH and International Collaboration:
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has acknowledged Germany’s rapid notification of the outbreak and emphasised the importance of early detection and response to contain the disease. WOAH is working with its members, including the UK, to mitigate risks and support effective containment strategies.
Call to Action:
We urge all veterinarians and stakeholders to:
Suspend imports of the listed commodities from Germany immediately.
Enhance biosecurity measures at all facilities.
Report any suspected cases of FMD to APHA or DEFRA immediately.
Protecting England’s Livestock:
England has not reported a case of FMD since the 2001 outbreak. Strict veterinary surveillance, robust import controls, and immediate response protocols remain key to maintaining the country’s FMD-free status.
What to Do if an Outbreak Occurs:
In the event of an FMD outbreak in England:
The infected herd will be culled.
A protection zone (3 km) and a surveillance zone (10 km) will be established.
Movement controls and extensive testing will be imposed to prevent spread.
Resources and Contact Information:
For additional guidance and updates:
· APHA Foot and Mouth Disease Guidance: Foot and mouth disease: how to spot and report it
· DEFRA Import Requirements: Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS)
Contact:
APHA: Level H1 County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP
DEFRA: SPS and Imports Team, Seacole Block, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF
Thank you for your vigilance in protecting the health and integrity of England’s livestock industry.
