A foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has been detected in a buffalo herd outside Berlin, prompting authorities to ban animal transports in the surrounding region of Brandenburg and close two zoos as a precautionary measure. The last time Germany experienced an outbreak was 35 years ago.
The virus, which infects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, and goats, can cause symptoms like fever, decreased appetite, and excessive drooling in infected animals. Authorities are investigating how the animals became infected.
A 72-hour ban on transporting cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and other affected animals has been put into effect, while around 200 pigs at a farm near the outbreak site will be slaughtered as a precaution. Two Berlin zoos have also closed their doors due to concerns about transmission through clothing and contact with contaminated equipment.
This is Germany’s first foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in over three decades, according to the country’s animal health institute. The virus spreads easily through contact and airborne transmission, posing a risk to both animals and humans.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/germany-foot-mouth-disease-outbreak-0a0e72a149e2ca5e32f66b005ca7c396