Foot-and-mouth disease in a German buffalo herd linked to EU animal movement
The outbreak in a German buffalo herd has prompted authorities to consider the role of unrestricted animal movements across the European Union as a possible driver. The assessment behind this view is not presented as a final judgment but as part of ongoing analysis of how the disease could have reached the herd and spread within the region. The situation highlights the challenges faced when livestock are transported across borders without strict controls and documentation.
The supervising body indicated that the described scenario aligns with the current understanding of how a foot-and-mouth disease case might unfold in a setting where animal movement is not tightly regulated. This echo of the German authorities’ outline signals the complexity of tracing sources and transmission routes in such outbreaks.
The outbreak was reported in Brandenburg, with the initial case identified on January 10, marking the first incident in 37 years. A herd of buffalo near Berlin was affected, and authorities moved quickly to remove infected animals. A three-kilometer quarantine circle and a ten-kilometer monitoring zone were established around the outbreak site to curb further spread and to monitor contact animals and potential vectors.
Foot-and-mouth disease is an acute viral illness affecting domestic and wild artiodactyl animals. While it primarily impacts livestock, human infections are rare but possible. The virus can cause severe systemic illness in animals, including high fever and painful ulcers on mucous membranes. In many cases, blisters and erosions appear on the skin, especially on the feet and areas around the nails. The disease can lead to substantial economic losses due to morbidity, mortality, and disruptions to trade and farming operations.
Earlier, health and consumer protection authorities acknowledged threats associated with the monkeypox outbreak in China, illustrating how rapidly evolving animal diseases can cross borders and require coordinated surveillance and response. The reference underlines the broader context in which animal health incidents are managed, particularly in a connected global landscape.