Mouth and claw disease
Peasants see the danger of renewed outbreak of animal disease
After the outbreak of the mouth and claw disease in Brandenburg, Germany is again considered a epidemic. Cases in Hungary and Slovakia ensure uncertainty – also among farmers in Germany.
The German Farmers’ Association sees risks to a possible renewed outbreak of mouth and claw disease. “The risk of re-introducing the plague has increased due to the cases that have occurred in Hungary and Slovakia,” said Secretary General Bernhard Krüsken of the German Press Agency. That must be observed carefully. He advised caution: “Especially through travel, food and animal transports can lead to a new outbreak if negligent.”
Germany is again considered free of the virus disease, which is highly contagious for animals. It was discovered in a buffalo herd in Hönow in the Märkisch-Oderland district in Brandenburg in January. Numerous animals were crumpled, there were millions of damage for companies. According to investigations and security measures, the world organization for animal health overturned all restrictions, including a restricted zone.
New cases in Hungary and Slovakia
According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the mouth and claw disease were demonstrated in a cattle business in northwestern Hungary. Since then, further cases in Hungary and the adjacent Slovakia have been reported in the area. The managing German agricultural minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) had appealed to travelers not to bring any products from affected areas.
The farmers’ association also sees a responsibility for consumers: “Everyone can do something, for example, by only disposing food residues in closed waste containers,” said Secretary General Krüsken. In addition, the association considers compliance with the existing security measures on the courtyards. This includes access restrictions, cleaning and disinfection.
dpa
Source: Stern
