Potsdam (dpa) – Following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Brandenburg, the state government has extended its existing ban on animal transports by 48 hours. "To prevent the spread of FMD, it is necessary to temporarily prohibit the movement of susceptible animals and related products," the Ministry stated. The emergency regulation set to expire at midnight will now remain effective until January 15. This additional time is deemed necessary to await all required test results to evaluate the situation concerning the epidemic. "So far, no new cases have been reported," the Ministry added.
Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) described this measure as correct. "The more decisively we act at the beginning of this outbreak, the sooner we can hopefully return to normal," he remarked after meeting with farmers in Stuttgart. The epidemiological assessment remains highly ambiguous, and Özdemir emphasized, "We have yet to confirm whether the farm with the water buffalo is the only one affected, or if there are other farms involved." The ramifications have already sparked concern among farmers nationwide. "Everything must be done to contain this outbreak," Joachim Rukwied, President of the Deutscher Bauernverband, declared. "Despite the virus being completely harmless to humans, the economic damage to livestock owners is severe," he warned.
Regional farmers' president Henrik Wendorff described the situation as catastrophic. Immediate economic effects have already been felt by Brandenburg’s farms, according to Wendorff, who noted, "Stables are overcrowded now, causing significant operational challenges. These are all timings and processes affected. Among livestock owners, there is significant solidarity through the animal disease fund, which mitigates some of the damage. But the extent of the losses cannot yet be quantified.”
Minister Özdemir has already contacted his counterparts from various states to keep them updated on the situation. The concrete economic impacts for businesses remain unclear according to ministry spokespersons. The trade of agricultural products not sourced from infected zones continues to be permitted within the EU, but trading partners outside the EU have not maintained the same stance. South Korea and Mexico have both announced temporary bans on imports of German pork.
Further measures include the culling of animals as a precaution due to the disease outbreak. On one farm in Schöneiche (Oder-Spree district), this involves the precautionary culling of 55 sheep and goats, alongside three cattle. This decision stems from the farm having acquired hay from the affected buffalo farm near Berlin, which tested positive for the FMD virus. Brandenburg’s Minister for Agriculture, Hanka Mittelstädt (SPD), confirmed the farm is classified as a contact herd.
Samples taken from the Schöneiche goats and sheep are being examined, and a crisis team with veterinarians is on-site. According to reports, the animals show no symptoms of the disease. Earlier, around 170 pigs were culled in the Barnim district as they were located near the outbreak site. The effects are also being felt in Berlin, where some children's farms have temporarily closed their doors as a precaution. Signs have been placed at the Alt-Marzahn petting zoo urging the public to refrain from touching or feeding the animals due to potential dangers.
Project leader Monty Geiseler conveyed, "We hope we will remain untouched by this disease." So far, all animals are reportedly fine. The organizers of the agribusiness fair Grüne Woche, which began Friday in Berlin, also decided to cancel the animal exhibitions for cattle, goats, and sheep this year, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
Meanwhile, measures have been enacted to protect wildlife. All entrances to the Döberitzer Heide nature reserve located west of Berlin have been temporarily closed. Peter Nitschke, head of the Sielmanns Naturlandschaft Döberitzer Heide, stated, "We urgently appeal to the public to avoid entering or driving through the Döberitzer Heide and also to steer clear of adjacent parking areas. The foot-and-mouth disease poses a significant threat to our bison, red deer, and the many grazing animals of our tenants, such as Galloway cattle, water buffalo, sheep, and goats."
Minister Özdemir's goal is to quickly reinstate meat exports, including to third countries. He affirmed, "Our common objective must be to minimize the spread of the virus to protect animals and reduce damage to our agricultural and food sectors." He emphasized working closely with affected associations and acknowledged their concerns. Within the EU market, trade from FMD-free regions remains feasible.
Germany is taking significant steps to restore exports as soon as possible after the resurgence of the highly contagious virus, the first appearance of which has been recorded since 1988. The virus was detected among water buffaloes, resulting in the deaths of three animals and the culling of others for safety reasons. Following the outbreak, various export restrictions were imposed, exemplified by South Korea's ban on importing German pork products.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they navigate the challenges Balancing disease control with economic impact remains the priority for many stakeholders involved.