What is foot-and-mouth disease found in buffaloes in Germany?
Germany has reported an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease for the first time in nearly 40 years, leading to a ban on meat and dairy exports outside the EU. This disease spreads among animals with cleft hoofs.
Germany has confirmed its first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in nearly 40 years, forcing authorities to halt meat and dairy exports outside the EU.
The outbreak was detected in a herd of water buffalo on the outskirts of Berlin, prompting immediate containment measures to stop the spread of the highly contagious livestock disease.
Foot-and-mouth disease mainly affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. This disease, although not dangerous to humans, causes fever and painful blisters on the animals’ mouths and feet, causing significant losses in production.
Impact on exports and agriculture
The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) mandates that countries free of foot-and-mouth disease must maintain strict controls to maintain their export certification.
Germany’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture announced that the outbreak had caused the country to lose foot-and-mouth disease-free status, resulting in an export ban on meat, dairy, hides and other animal products to countries outside the EU. Has been given.
What is foot-and-mouth disease?
Foot-and-mouth disease is a viral disease that spreads rapidly in two-hoofed animals. This can cause ulcers on the feet, muzzle and tongue, often leaving the animal lame and weak. The disease is highly contagious, spread by direct contact with infected animals, contaminated objects or animal parts. This virus can survive on surfaces and in water for up to a month.
While adult animals generally recover, young animals are at greater risk, with a higher mortality rate. Survivors may face long-term production losses, such as reduced milk and meat production, creating significant economic challenges for farmers.
The disease is common in areas such as the Middle East, Africa, parts of Asia, and South America. Countries with outbreaks often suffer severe economic losses due to restrictions on exports and the need for mass killing to control the spread.
The last case of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany was recorded almost four decades ago, highlighting the rarity of this outbreak.
Authorities are now working to ensure that strict containment measures, including movement restrictions and biosecurity protocols, are in place to protect the country’s livestock and agricultural economy.
