News
15.01.2025 - Foods
Outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Brandenburg
On January 10, 2025, a case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was confirmed in water buffalo in the district of Märkisch-Oderland in Brandenburg. This is the first outbreak in Germany in over 35 years. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute has already determined the serotype of the virus, making the development of a vaccine possible.
The authorities have taken immediate measures: restriction zones have been established, affected animals have been culled, and there are movement restrictions for susceptible animals such as ruminants and pigs. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has convened a crisis team for January 14, 2025. A meeting with industry representatives and the Food Association will also take place at short notice.
Due to the outbreak, Germany loses its recognition as "FMD-free without vaccination" by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has published a risk assessment.
About Foot-and-Mouth Disease
FMD is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It manifests itself through high fever and blister formation in the mouth and hoof area. The virus is mainly prevalent in Africa and Asia. In Germany, FMD is considered a notifiable animal disease.
For humans, the FMD virus does not pose a significant threat. Only in very rare cases, with direct contact with infected animals, have mild fever symptoms and blistering been observed, which heal quickly.
Implications for the Food Industry
- Loss of FMD-free status: Germany loses its FMD-free status without vaccination, which could affect trust in German animal products on international markets. Countries with strict import regulations, particularly in Asia and Africa, might restrict imports of meat and other animal products.
- Trade restrictions and export losses: Countries with high animal health standards could restrict or stop their imports from Germany, leading to significant export business losses.
- Domestic market: Restriction zones and movement restrictions: The restriction zones and movement restrictions could disrupt supply chains within Germany, leading to shortages and price fluctuations.
- Controls and containment measures: Additional resources for monitoring animal stocks, hygiene standards, and vaccinations will be required, leading to increased costs in animal husbandry and processing.
- Consumer confidence: The outbreak could affect consumer confidence in German meat products. The industry must ensure through transparent communication that all necessary protection measures are taken to ensure food safety.
As a food testing laboratory, BAV Institute plays a central role in ensuring the food safety and quality of products.
- The early detection of pathogens, such as the FMD virus, in animal products. This includes conducting tests for the pathogen in meat, milk, and other animal products
- Monitoring hygiene conditions in food production and processing. We test for potential contaminations and ensure all legal regulations are complied with
- Supporting authorities and the food industry with scientifically based risk assessments and providing advice on implementing measures to prevent the spread of diseases
Do you have questions? Contact our experts! In our Tentamus labs, we regularly conduct microbiological tests. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
Source:
www.bmel.de
www.bfr.bund.de
www.fli.de