Maul and claw disease: Germany free of mouth and claw disease- further risks

Around three months after the outbreak in Brandenburg, Germany is again considered free of the mouth and claw disease (MKS). The world organization for animal health (WOAH) had lifted all restrictions, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Brandenburg Ministry of Agriculture said. This also eliminates a six -kilometer -wide restricted zone around the outbreak of the outbreak in Brandenburg. The viral disease is highly contagious for animals. The outbreak caused millions of damage for farms.

The executive Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (Greens) hopes that all import restrictions will be lifted abroad. The whole country is mouth-free, said the Greens politician. “This status is extremely important for the export of those affected.” This applies especially to meat and dairy products.

Özdemir calls travelers to caution

The minister was concerned about the outbreaks of the disease in Hungary and Slovakia. “In Hungary, the zone extends to Austria,” said Özdemir. “This shows that we must not let up in the efforts and as far as the precautionary measures are concerned.” He appealed to travelers: “Please be carefully careful!” You should not bring products from areas affected by the plague to Germany and do not keep any contacts to steal there. Pet owners should continue to adhere to hygiene measures.

In January, the plague broke out in Germany for the first time in more than 35 years. It was discovered in a buffalo herd in Hönow in the Märkisch-Oderland district in Brandenburg. Numerous animals have been culled since then. Several states reacted to the outbreak with import restrictions. The trading blocks of China for milk exports were lifted after negotiations in March. Great Britain took up import restrictions on animals and animal products from Germany in March.

Minister warns of the consequences of US politics

The case had triggered a major outbreak and extended extensive protective measures. All studies on MKS in pets and wild animals that are receptive to the plague have since been negative, according to the Brandenburg Ministry of Agriculture.

The Federal Minister of Agriculture criticized the US government’s attitude under President Donald Trump. The key to fighting animal diseases is research, said Özdemir. “Against this background, we are very worried that the United States is increasingly withdrawing from the international fight against animal diseases.” Not only the means were missing that science would make work difficult.

Six kilometers wide blocking zone canceled

The Woah had approved an application by the states of Berlin and Brandenburg and the federal government. Outside the restricted zone around the site in Brandenburg, Germany was previously considered to be diseased. The districts of Märkisch-Oderland and Barnim have now also received the status back. The EU Commission had arranged a six-kilometer-wide restricted zone around the outbreak. Restrictions such as a ban on animal transport were applied there.

The dairy farmers in Brandenburg called the federal government to support. After combating the plague, it was reproduced that the normal operation of animal production in Brandenburg could run again, said Lars Schmidt, chairman of the milk advisory board of the state farmers’ association. He would like the same pace to support the companies all over Brandenburg, which is economically severely affected by no fault of the country.

Brandenburg’s Minister of Agriculture Hanka Mittelstädt (SPD) warned of risks like Özdemir. “Despite this extremely positive development in Brandenburg, there is still a risk of a renewed entry of animal disease throughout Germany from infected areas – especially through travel, food or animal transport,” she said.