The FMD outbreak in Germany, which was confirmed on Friday 11 January affected a herd of water buffalo in Brandenburg. The German National Reference Laboratory at the FLI found a foot-and-mouth disease ( FMD ) virus of serotype O. Closely related FMD viruses occur in the Middle East and Asia, but the exact origin and route of entry into the animal population are still unknown, even now that the serotype is known.
Vaccines suitable for these viruses are available in the FMD antigen bank in Germany. This FMD antigen bank was set up specifically for cases such as the current outbreak. Once activated by the federal states, the FMD antigen bank can produce the vaccines required within a few days.
Official Veterinarians should be particularly aware that export certificates must be checked, as the statement on the German freedom from FMD is to be deleted. Compenet Authorities ask all colleagues to be particularly vigilant with regard to symptoms of foot and mouth disease, especially in contrast to bluetongue.
You can obtain up-to-date information from the German Ministry.
In addition to producing the appropriate vaccine, it is currently crucial to examine all cloven-hoofed animals in the vicinity of the affected livestock farm in order to determine the actual spread of the disease. This will determine any measures that still need to be taken and whether and how a vaccine will be used. A suspicion in goats was not confirmed on 17 January.