Germany Battles Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak as UK Bans Imports, Industry Faces €500M Loss

Jan 14, 2025, 06:19 AM

Germany is facing a significant challenge with the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), confirmed in Brandenburg, marking the first occurrence in the country since 1988. The disease, detected in a herd of water buffalo, has led to the preemptive culling of animals in affected areas to prevent further spread. The outbreak has prompted several countries, including South Korea, the UK, and Uruguay, to impose bans on German meat imports. The German meat industry estimates the financial impact could reach half a billion euros due to halted exports to non-EU countries. Berlin's zoos and petting zoos have been closed as a precautionary measure. The German government is working to contain the disease, with no additional support measures planned beyond compensating farmers for culled animals. The outbreak has also raised concerns among neighboring countries and regions, with the UK implementing strict import bans on cattle, pigs, and sheep from Germany to safeguard its agricultural sector.