On Friday, January 10, a case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was confirmed on a buffalo farm in brandenburg, Germany. The outbreak has prompted swift action from authorities, with daily updates being issued to keep stakeholders informed. This latest update covers key developments, including a list of approved disinfectants, the current situation in Germany, and a new hygiene protocol for animal feed deliveries.
Approved Disinfectants for Foot-and-mouth Disease
Table of Contents
- 1. Approved Disinfectants for Foot-and-mouth Disease
- 2. Hygiene Protocol for Animal Feed Deliveries
- 3. postponement of Farm Education Programs
- 4. current Situation in Germany
- 5. Recent Updates on the FMD Outbreak
- 6. What are the key biosecurity measures recommended by Dr. Anna Müller to help prevent the spread of foot-adn-mouth disease?
To combat the spread of FMD, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has published a list of disinfectants approved by the Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb).These disinfectants are specifically authorized for use in stables and on transport vehicles. The full list can be accessed here.
Hygiene Protocol for Animal Feed Deliveries
In response to the outbreak,Nevedi,the trade association for the animal feed industry,has introduced a complete hygiene protocol for feed deliveries and company visits.The guidelines include:
- Avoiding stable visits for cloven-hoofed animals.
- Shifting physical meetings to virtual platforms.
- Prohibiting drivers from entering stables.
- Disinfecting truck wheels, wheel arches, and running boards after each visit.
- Leaving used tools at the company premises.
- Ensuring gates are closed after departure.
- Adhering strictly to customer instructions.
- Conducting risk assessments for return flows in consultation with the quality department.
These measures aim to minimize the risk of contamination and protect both livestock and workers.
postponement of Farm Education Programs
Farm Education Netherlands has announced the postponement of all planned farm lessons on properties housing FMD-susceptible animals, such as cattle, pigs, and small ruminants. This precautionary measure will remain in affect for the next two weeks to prevent potential spread.
current Situation in Germany
Authorities in Germany have completed inspections of all farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the infected buffalo farm.Fortunately, no additional cases of FMD have been detected. However, the standstill order in Brandenburg has been extended until Wednesday, January 15, to ensure thorough containment efforts.
The outbreak is already impacting Germany’s agricultural exports. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has indicated that exporting milk, dairy products, meat, and meat products to non-EU countries has become increasingly challenging.South Korea, as an example, has halted pork imports from Germany, while the Netherlands has imposed a national ban on the transport of calves.For a detailed overview of the situation, refer to this article.
Recent Updates on the FMD Outbreak
In recent days, several updates have been published regarding the FMD outbreak in Germany. These include:
- Initial reports of the infection (Message 1).
- Urgent advice for sensitive sectors (Message 2).
- Ministerial regulations for veal farming (Message 3).
- Hygiene protocols for livestock transport (Message 4).
these updates provide valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak and protect the agricultural sector.
What are the key biosecurity measures recommended by Dr. Anna Müller to help prevent the spread of foot-adn-mouth disease?
Interview with Dr. Anna Müller, Veterinary Epidemiologist and Expert in Livestock Disease Control
Archyde News Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Müller. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Brandenburg, Germany. As an expert in livestock disease control, coudl you provide our readers with an overview of the current situation?
Dr. Anna Müller: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The situation in Brandenburg is indeed concerning. A confirmed case of FMD was reported on a buffalo farm on January 10, and authorities have been working diligently to contain the outbreak. FMD is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. The immediate response has included quarantine measures,movement restrictions,and enhanced biosecurity protocols to prevent further spread.
Archyde News Editor: The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product safety Authority (NVWA) has published a list of approved disinfectants for use in stables and transport vehicles. How critical are these disinfectants in controlling the outbreak?
Dr.Anna Müller: Disinfectants play a crucial role in breaking the chain of transmission. FMD can survive on surfaces, equipment, and even clothing for extended periods, so thorough disinfection is essential. The NVWA’s list of approved disinfectants ensures that farmers and transporters are using products that are scientifically proven to be effective against the virus. This is a key step in minimizing the risk of cross-contamination between farms and during animal transport.
Archyde News Editor: Nevedi, the trade association for the animal feed industry, has introduced a new hygiene protocol for feed deliveries and company visits. What are your thoughts on these measures?
Dr. Anna Müller: The hygiene protocol introduced by Nevedi is a proactive and necessary measure. Feed deliveries and company visits can inadvertently become vectors for disease transmission if proper precautions aren’t taken. The guidelines, such as avoiding stable visits for cloven-hoofed animals and shifting to virtual meetings, are practical steps to reduce human and vehicle traffic in high-risk areas. This not only protects the animals but also supports the broader effort to contain the outbreak.
Archyde News Editor: What challenges do you foresee in managing this outbreak, and what steps can stakeholders take to mitigate these challenges?
Dr. Anna Müller: One of the biggest challenges is the highly contagious nature of FMD and the potential for rapid spread, especially in regions with dense livestock populations. Early detection and reporting are critical, so farmers must remain vigilant and report any signs of illness immediately. Additionally, strict adherence to biosecurity measures, such as using approved disinfectants and following the new hygiene protocols, is essential. Collaboration between farmers, veterinarians, and government agencies will be key to successfully managing this outbreak.
Archyde News Editor: what message would you like to convey to our readers, notably those in the agricultural and livestock sectors?
Dr. Anna Müller: My message is one of caution and cooperation. FMD is a serious threat to livestock health and the agricultural economy, but with swift and coordinated action, we can contain this outbreak. I urge all stakeholders to stay informed, follow the guidelines issued by authorities, and prioritize biosecurity at all times. Together, we can protect our animals and livelihoods.
Archyde News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights and expertise. We appreciate your time and wish you the best in your efforts to combat this outbreak.
Dr.Anna Müller: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure to speak with you, and I hope this details helps raise awareness and encourages proactive measures among your readers.
End of Interview
