Germany’s Foot-and-mouth Disease Outbreak: Vigilance Remains Key as Markets Reopen
The recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin on January 10 has sent ripples through Germany’s agricultural sector. While initial measures have shown signs of easing, authorities are urging continued vigilance to prevent further spread of the highly contagious viral disease.
The outbreak prompted immediate action, including the activation of Germany’s FMD vaccine bank as a precautionary measure. However, there are currently no plans to vaccinate livestock. Agriculture Minister Femke Wiersma has maintained a cautious approach,emphasizing the need for thorough testing. Initial PCR tests on animals imported from the affected region did not detect the virus, but results from a second round of Elisa tests are still pending.
Despite the uncertainty, the Veehandel Noord-nederland Foundation has reopened sheep and cattle markets this week, a move welcomed by traders. Andries Kingma of the cattle market explained, “The advice was to do this one-on-one, but that is much more difficult. Many traders were happy that the market was open again.”
However,the calf market remains closed due to a supply ban. The Calf Sector Trade Institution Foundation has convened earlier than planned to discuss the situation. Chairman Teus Kreuger of the LTO Calf Farming department noted, “We follow the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature in its decision-making.” He also highlighted the temporary relaxation of the 35-day rule,which allows calves older than 35 days to be delivered due to the supply ban.
In a significant development, the state of Brandenburg lifted its transport ban outside the surveillance and protection zones last week. However, the ban remains in effect within thes zones for at least 30 days, with additional research underway. Brandenburg has also requested other states to activate their FMD vaccine banks as a precaution. Under European regulations, it will take six days for vaccine doses to become available if needed.
Key Developments at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Outbreak Date | January 10, 2025 |
| Affected Region | Near Berlin |
| Current Measures | FMD vaccine bank activated; no vaccination plans |
| Testing Status | PCR tests negative; Elisa test results pending |
| Market Status | Sheep and cattle markets reopened; calf market remains closed |
| Transport Ban | Lifted outside surveillance zones; remains in effect within zones |
| Vaccine Availability | Six days required for doses under European conditions |
The situation remains fluid, with authorities balancing the need to protect livestock with the economic impact on farmers and traders. As Brandenburg and other states prepare for potential escalation, the agricultural community is holding its breath, hoping for positive developments in the coming weeks.
For more updates on the FMD outbreak and its implications, stay tuned to our coverage.
“Traders are happy, one-to-one transport was more difficult than via the market,” as the industry navigates this challenging period.
Headline: Navigating the FMD Outbreak: A Conversation with Dr. Acute Vets, Specialist in Epidemiology and Zoo Animal health
Introduction: the recent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak near Berlin has left farmers, traders, and authorities on high alert. We invited Dr. Acute Vets, an expert in epidemiology and zoo animal health, to discuss the progression, containment measures, and economic impacts of the FMD outbreak in Germany. Dr. Vets’ insights provide crucial perspectives on the delicate balance between protecting livestock and sustaining the agriculture sector.
Interview:
1. initial Response and Containment Measures
- senior editor (SE): Dr. Vets,the FMD outbreak was confirmed near Berlin earlier this month. How have authorities responded in terms of containment measures?
Dr. Acute Vets (AV): Right from the onset, authorities have been proactive,with the activation of Germany’s FMD vaccine bank. However, they’re being cautious about vaccination, focusing instead on rigorous testing, such as PCR and Elisa tests, to contain the spread.
2. Testing and Results
- SE: We understand PCR tests have been conducted, and results from Elisa tests are pending. Can you walk us thru the testing process and the importance of each type of test?
AV: both PCR and Elisa tests are crucial in FMD diagnosis, serving different purposes. PCR tests provide rapid results, but their sensitivity might vary. Elisa tests, on the other hand, offer superior sensitivity, though they take more time. The combination of these tests ensures thorough surveillance and accurate detection of the virus.
3. Market Reopenings and Closures
- SE: With the outbreak, we’ve seen sheep and cattle markets reopen, but calf markets remain closed. How do these moves impact the agricultural sector economically?
AV: Market closures inevitably impact the sector, affecting supply chains, trader flows, and farmers’ operations. Reopenings, while beneficial, have their own challenges, as witnessed by the move to one-on-one trade. It’s a delicate balance between xen containment and the economic resilience of the agriculture sector.
4. State Measures and Vaccine Availability
- SE: brandenburg has lifted its transport ban outside surveillance zones, but the ban remains within. How do these moves help, and what’s the availability like for FMD vaccines?
AV: These moves allow for essential movements within and outside containment zones while preventing further spread. European regulations require six days for vaccine doses to become available, which is a crucial factor in preparedness for potential escalations.
5. Looking Ahead
- SE: As we await further developments and results, what advice would you give to farmers, traders, and authorities as they navigate this challenging period?
AV: Remain vigilant. Maintain stringent biosecurity measures, cooperating fully with authorities.Keep up-to-date with the latest developments, and be ready to adapt to changing circumstances. Together, we can minimize the FMD’s impact on Germany’s agriculture sector.
