This decision was granted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) following a request from the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). The request proposed establishing a containment zone around the FMD outbreak in Brandenburg, which WOAH has now approved.
Ongoing Control Measures
The containment zone will continue to enforce strict FMD control measures until at least April 11, 2025, including close monitoring of susceptible animals.
The outbreak remains confined to a single case in water buffalo in Brandenburg, which was officially confirmed on January 10, 2025. According to BMEL, efforts are underway to fully restore FMD-free status in the remaining containment zone, which has a 6 km radius.
Impact on Exports
Germany’s Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir welcomed the decision, stating in an interview with Top Agrar:
"Regaining FMD-free status sends a clear signal to our trading partners. The official confirmation by WOAH is a crucial basis for our discussions with third countries and benefits exports."
This development is expected to facilitate Germany’s return to global livestock markets and boost international trade in animal products.
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