Germany Reports First Foot-and-Mouth Disease Case Since 1988

Published JAN 11 2025

Story

Above: Bison stand in their enclosure not far from the closed entrance to Tierpark Berlin, which has been closed to visitors for safety reasons due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in a herd of buffalo in Brandenburg, Germany, on Jan. 11, 2025. Image credit: Sebastian Gollnow/Contributor/picture alliance via Getty Images

The Facts

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was confirmed in a herd of water buffalo near Berlin, marking Germany's first case in 35 years. Symptoms include fever and mouth and hoof blisters.
Dw.Com
France 24
Three water buffalo died in Hoenow, Brandenburg, and the remaining 11 animals in the herd were culled to prevent further spread of the highly contagious viral infection.
ABC News
Dw.Com
Brandenburg authorities implemented a 72-hour transport ban for cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and llamas while establishing a 3-kilometer (1.86-mile) exclusion zone and 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) surveillance zone around the affected farm.
EuroNews
France 24
Berlin's two zoos closed their facilities as a precautionary measure to protect their animals and prevent disease transmission, as humans can spread the virus through contaminated clothing and equipment.
ABC News
Dw.Com
Approximately 200 pigs at a nearby farm in Ahrensfelde will be culled as a preventative measure to contain the potential spread of the virus.
EuroNews
ABC News
The last European outbreak was in Bulgaria in 2011, which followed an outbreak in the UK in 2001, resulting in millions of livestock being culled. It remains endemic in Turkey, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and parts of South America, with strict international controls to prevent spread.
Pork Business
Nationalhogfarmer
EuroNews

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

Germany’s first confirmed FMD case since 1988 highlights the grave risks posed by this highly contagious livestock virus. With severe economic impacts and market bans tied to outbreaks, all European nations, including island nations like Ireland, must remain vigilant. Proactive monitoring, strict controls, and quick response plans are essential to safeguard livestock and prevent a ripple effect across the region.

Gov.Ie

Narrative B

Germany’s recent FMD outbreak is a stark reminder of the dangers of poorly managed crises. Europe must learn from the UK's 2001 disaster, where millions of healthy livestock were slaughtered based on flawed models, devastating farmers and rural communities. Governments must avoid repeating such heavy-handed measures and prioritize transparent, scientifically sound, and humane responses to protect livelihoods.

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