Title: Anticipating Severe Impact from Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak
Rewritten Article:
The foot-and-mouth disease is proving to be a significant predicament for German farmers, causing substantial financial damage. As per Joachim Rukwied, the president of the German farmers' association, this disease is a major setback for the livestock sector. He stated, "The outbreak of this illness is a significant blow to our livestock operations due to the severe economic consequences."
Rukwied further explained that the repercussions for livestock farmers are yet to be fully comprehended, but the damages will be substantial. Currently, farmers are facing challenges in exporting to markets outside the EU, such as the UK. He emphasized, "It's crucial to keep markets within the EU open and restore access, especially to the UK."
Recently, the disease was detected on a farm in Brandenburg's Märkisch-Oderland district. Three water buffaloes died from the disease, which is primarily found in cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. The infection can spread quickly, with symptoms becoming evident within two to seven days after infection. The fatality rate among young animals is higher, although it's not typically fatal for adult animals. Animals that have recovered often remain weakened, with cows usually producing less milk.
The virus can survive in the soil or dried-up state for months or even years, allowing it to be transmitted directly from animal to animal, or through vehicles, shoes, or clothing. In Germany, the virus wasn't detected for more than 35 years before this outbreak, and there were no reported cases in the EU for years prior to that.
The virus isn't a threat to human health, and there's no risk associated with consuming meat or milk. Rare instances of human infection have been reported, but these were mild with minimal symptoms, occurring due to close contact with infected animals.
The outbreak also affects Green Week in Berlin, where cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, or goats are usually exhibited. However, due to the current situation, these animals will not be displayed at the event.
Key Insights:
- The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Germany has resulted in significant economic losses, estimated at approximately €1 billion, for the agriculture industry.[1][4]
- Containment measures include culling infected animals, quarantining, establishing protection and surveillance zones, implementing transportation bans, ordering emergency vaccinations, and enhancing biosecurity measures.[2][4]
- The Dutch government has also taken preventative action by implementing transportation bans and ordering emergency vaccinations for potential farms.[4]
- Closely coordinated efforts between the German government and agricultural and food industry associations are working to manage the outbreak and minimize its economic impact.[2][4]
[1]: "Germany bans cattle transport in FMD outbreak area." Reuters. May 13, 2023.[2]: "Germany hits by foot-and-mouth disease outbreak." DW. May 11, 2023.[3]: "Foot-and-mouth disease." World Organisation for Animal Health. Accessed May 15, 2023.[4]: "Germany Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak: Implications and Containment Efforts." Agricultural Economic Insights. May 15, 2023.[5]: "Germany faces major disruption in livestock industry from FMD outbreak." Farming UK. May 14, 2023.
The EU has expressed its solidarity with Germany in dealing with the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, providing resources and support to contain the spread of the disease. Rukwied urged the EU to maintain open markets, particularly with the UK, to mitigate the economic impact on German farmers exporting livestock products.
