Germany Faces First FMD Outbreak in Decades

Germany has reported its first foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in nearly 40 years, affecting water buffalo near Berlin. Authorities have euthanised affected animals, implemented a 3-km exclusion zone, and established a 10-km monitoring area to prevent further spread. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease impacting livestock, with symptoms including fever and blisters. It remains prevalent in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America, posing significant economic risks to agriculture. While the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) recognizes Germany’s FMD-free status, this outbreak underscores the need for robust surveillance and rapid response measures to maintain biosecurity.