To prevent the spread of the infection, a three-kilometer safety zone has been established around the farm. Additionally, an area of ten kilometers around the farm is being monitored.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious virus that is not dangerous to humans. It can spread among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle and pigs and among ruminants such as sheep and goats.
There have been previous outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Europe. In 2011, hundreds of animals were culled in Bulgaria. In 2007, the United Kingdom experienced an even larger outbreak, during which over 2,000 animals had to be culled.
With the confirmation of the epidemic, Germany loses its status as "free from foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination" as recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Restricted zones have already been established, the affected animals have been culled, and transport restrictions have been imposed on susceptible animals (ruminants and pigs). Although FMD is a highly contagious viral disease, infections in humans are extremely rare, as humans have low susceptibility.
The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has reconvened the Central Crisis Unit for Animal Diseases to discuss the FMD outbreak. A few days ago, veterinary services in Berlin also held consultations about tightening measures against avian flu in Germany. On Monday, agricultural organizations will also be involved in the discussions.
German poultry farmers have been advised to better protect their animals against avian flu. The Ministry of Agriculture issued this advice after a new infection was detected in a Canadian goose in the federal state of Hesse, and after the first human death from H5N1 infection was reported in the United States.
US authorities stated that the death of the 65-year-old woman in Louisiana is not the start of a pandemic but does give cause for concern. The risk to humans and animals is currently assessed as very low in Germany. Nevertheless, BMEL Minister Özdemir has ordered an increase in precautionary measures.
The Ministry advises strict compliance with biosecurity measures. Contact between domestic and wild birds must be avoided at all costs. Above all, wild birds should not have access to food, bedding, or other items that come into contact with domestic poultry. Poultry should also not drink from ditches, ponds, or pools where wild birds also drink.