Brandenburg state has enforced a temporary ban on transporting cloven-hoofed animals following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.
The 72-hour ban, effective from Saturday, applies to cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and animals like camels and llamas. Berlin’s two zoos have also closed as a precaution. Authorities confirmed the outbreak after a farmer in Hoenow, near Berlin, reported the deaths of three water buffalo in a herd of 14.
Germany’s national animal health institute verified the presence of the disease in one animal. The remaining buffalo were culled, though the source of the infection remains unclear. Additionally, about 200 pigs from a nearby farm in Ahrensfelde will be slaughtered as a preventative measure.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Highly Contagious but Non-Threatening to Humans
The disease, a highly contagious viral infection, primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, and sheep. While humans are not at risk, they can unknowingly carry and spread the virus to animals.
Symptoms in affected animals include fever, blisters, decreased appetite, excessive drooling, and other signs of illness. Although death rates are low, the disease can severely impact animal health.
Strict international regulations aim to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact, airborne particles, and contaminated items like farming equipment, shoes, and vehicle tyres.
Past Outbreaks Highlight Severity
Germany last experienced an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 1988, and the most recent European case occurred in 2011, according to the national animal health institute.
A notable outbreak in the UK in 2001 led to the culling of six million livestock on infected and neighboring farms, causing financial losses amounting to billions of euros. Although some farmers criticized the extreme measures, authorities acted to prevent further transmission.
The current situation in Brandenburg underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action to contain the disease and minimize its impact on agriculture and wildlife.