January 16, 2025
Mike Pearson takes a look at an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
German authorities announced their first case of FMD in 40 years.
The disease was found in water buffalo near Berlin, Germany, prompting immediate containment efforts to prevent the further spread of the disease.
FMD is highly contagious and impacts cloven hoofed animals such as cattle, hogs, sheep and goats.
The disease poses no danger to humans but they can spread the virus through clothing and equipment.
American has been clear of the disease since 1929.
The water buffalo herd was euthanized and areas were closed off where the virus was found.
The last case of FMD in Germany occurred in 1988.
Europe's last outbreak was in Bulgaria in 2011.
The area where the virus was found is being closely monitored by health officials.
Animal transports have been suspended and Berlin's zoo has been closed to keep animals safe.
Also part of the biosecurity measures being implemented is ground water monitoring to stop the outbreak.
Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.
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