Foot-and-Mouth Disease Returns to Germany After Over Three Decades of Absence

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) acknowledges Germany's rapid notification of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in Brandenburg, northern Germany. This makes the first occurrence of FMD in the country since 1988, as officially reported by the State Minister of Agriculture.

The national reference laboratory, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), identified FMD virus serotype O in three water buffaloes in the Märkisch-Oderland district. These buffaloes, infected with FMD, subsequently died. Local authorities are collaborating with specialists to investigate the outbreak's origin. As part of the response, all 14 buffaloes in the affected herd are being culled and disposed of. The competent veterinary services of the Ministry and local veterinary authorities have implemented all necessary measures to contain the disease.

The FMD virus poses no risk to humans. While FMD viruses are commonly found in the Middle East and Asia, the precise origin and route of entry into Germany remain unknown, despite the serotype being identified.

Germany's FMD antigen bank, established specifically for emergencies like this outbreak, contains suitable vaccines against the virus. Once activated by the Länder, the bank can produce the required vaccines.

In addition to vaccine production, it is crucial to test all cloven-hoofed animals near the affected farm to determine the outbreak's spread. These tests will guide further measures, including whether and how vaccination should be employed.

Effective FMD vaccination requires a precise match to the virus serotype, as vaccines targeting other serotypes do not provide protection. Currently, seven serotypes of FMD are known: O, A, C, Asia 1, SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3, each with numerous subtypes and strains.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease  that spreads rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, causing severe economic losses. Zoo and wild animals are also susceptible. While not dangerous to humans, the disease leads to significant economic challenges.

While FMD is rarely fatal in adult animals, it causes prolonged declines in productivity. There are no treatment options. If a single animal on a farm is infected, the entire herd is culled as a precautionary measure.

FMD is prevalent in Turkey, the Middle East, Africa, many Asian countries, and parts of South America. Illegally imported animal products from these regions pose an ongoing threat to European agriculture. For example, a devastating outbreak occurred in Great Britain in 2001, with subsequent cases reported in other European countries.

Source: WAHIS