Rudolph Angler Authorities in Brandenburg banned animal transport for 72 hours after foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed in a buffalo herd. The ban, which started Saturday, covers cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and other animals like camels and llamas. Berlin’s two zoos also closed as a precaution.
The outbreak was detected in Hoenow, just outside Berlin, after a farmer found three water buffalo dead in a herd of 14. Germany’s national animal health institute confirmed the disease in one sample. Authorities culled the rest of the herd and plan to slaughter 200 pigs at a nearby farm in Ahrensfelde as a preventive measure.
The Impact and Spread of the Disease
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, and sheep. While humans cannot contract the disease, they can transmit it to animals. Infected animals typically experience fever, reduced appetite, blisters, and excessive drooling. Death rates are low, but the illness can severely impact animal health and productivity.
The disease spreads rapidly through direct contact, airborne particles, or contaminated objects like farming tools, shoes, and vehicle tyres. Strict international regulations aim to curb its spread.
Historical Context and Precautions
Germany last experienced a foot-and-mouth outbreak in 1988, and the most recent European outbreak occurred in 2011. A severe outbreak in the UK in 2001 led to the culling of around six million livestock, costing billions of euros. The response faced criticism from farmers who considered the measures excessive.
The current measures in Brandenburg reflect the serious approach required to prevent the disease’s spread. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to protect both farm and zoo animals from infection.