Information on the current animal disease situation can be found in the respective latest issue of the monthly newsletter Radar Bulletin (in German language).
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, goats and pigs). Many zoo and wild animals can also suffer from FMD. The last outbreak of FMD in the EU was in Bulgaria in 2011 and in Germany, prior to the current outbreak in Brandenburg, in 1988.
FMD is still endemic in Turkey, the Middle East and Africa, many Asian countries and parts of South America. Illegally imported animal products from these countries pose a constant threat to European agriculture.
FMD is a purely animal disease and is not transmissible to humans, i.e. it is not a zoonosis.
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute was founded by its namesake to research FMD and began its work in 1910. Since then, the disease has been an integral part of the institute's research.
Last News of the FLI
Insel Riems, 17 January 2025: Tests carried out at the National Reference Laboratory for Foot and Mouth Disease (NRLFMD) at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI) on a suspected case of foot-and-mouth disease in a goat from the district of Barnim have revealed no evidence of foot-and-mouth disease virus or specific antibodies. The samples were analysed overnight and confirmed negative this morning. Despite this good news, it is still important to test the herds in the surveillance zone so that rapid action can be taken in the event of a further infected animal.
Goats (© M. Pfau, FLI)
The national reference laboratory at the FLI has detected the FMD virus serotype O in a water buffalo infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from the district of Märkisch-Oderland. Closely related FMD viruses are found in the Middle East and Asia, but the exact origin and route of entry into livestock is still unknown, even though the serotype is known. Suitable vaccines against these viruses are available in the German FMD antigen bank. This FMD antigen bank was established specifically for cases such as the current outbreak. Once activated by the Länder, the FMD antigen bank can produce the necessary vaccines within a few days.
In addition to the production of the appropriate vaccine, it is now essential to test all cloven-hoofed animals in the vicinity of the affected farm to determine the actual spread of the outbreak. This will determine any further measures that may need to be taken, as well as whether and how to use a vaccine.
In the case of FMD, it is important that the vaccine is precisely matched, as vaccines against other serotypes do not protect animals. To date, seven serotypes are known: O, A, C, Asia 1, SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3, which are divided into numerous subtypes and strains.
Water buffalo (© pexels)
The National Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) has confirmed an infection with the FMD virus in a water buffalo in Märkisch-Oderland, Brandenburg. The local authorities have taken control and protection measures. Further tests are being carried out at the FLI to determine the exact nature of the virus. An FLI team is supporting the outbreak investigation on the ground. FMD is a purely animal disease and cannot be transmitted to humans, i.e. it is not a zoonosis.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, goats and pigs). Many zoo and wild animals can also contract FMD. There are very strict international rules for the prevention and control of FMD. There is no treatment for infected animals. If even one animal on a farm is infected, all ungulates must be killed and destroyed.
The last outbreak of FMD in Germany was in Lower Saxony in 1988. The last outbreak in Europe was reported in Bulgaria in 2011. Prior to that, the United Kingdom was hit by a major FMD outbreak in 2001, followed by France, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The FMD virus remains endemic in Turkey, the Middle East and Africa, many Asian countries and parts of South America. Illegally imported animal products from these countries pose a constant threat to European agriculture.
Water buffalo (© PixaBay)