Published Date: 2025-01-12 13:49:02 GMT
Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease - Germany (02): (BB) water buffalo, serotype O confirmed
Archive Number: 20250112.8721295
FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE - GERMANY (02): (BRANDENBURG) WATER BUFFALO, SEROTYPE O CONFIRMED
A ProMED-mail post http://www.promedmail.org
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Date: Sat 11 Jan 2025
Source: Friedrich-Loeffler Institut Germany [edited]
https://www.fli.de/en/news/short-messages/short-message/fmd-outbreak-in-brandenburg-serotype-o-detected/
The national reference laboratory at the FLI has detected the FMD virus serotype O in a water buffalo infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from the district of Markisch-Oderland. Closely related FMD viruses are found in the Middle East and Asia, but the exact origin and route of entry into livestock is still unknown, even though the serotype is known. Suitable vaccines against these viruses are available in the German FMD antigen bank. This FMD antigen bank was established specifically for cases such as the current outbreak. Once activated by the Lander, the FMD antigen bank can produce the necessary vaccines within a few days.
In addition to the production of the appropriate vaccine, it is now essential to test all cloven-hoofed animals in the vicinity of the affected farm to determine the actual spread of the outbreak. This will determine any further measures that may need to be taken, as well as whether and how to use a vaccine.
In the case of FMD, it is important that the vaccine is precisely matched, as vaccines against other serotypes do not protect animals. To date, 7 serotypes are known: O, A, C, Asia 1, SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3, which are divided into numerous subtypes and strains.
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Date: Sat 11 Jan 2025
Source: Federal Ministry of Agriculture [BMEL) Germany [in German, machine trans., edited]
https://www.bmel.de/SharedDocs/Meldungen/DE/Presse/2025/250111-update-maul-klauenseuche.html
After the 1st case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Germany since 1988 was reported in Brandenburg yesterday [10 Jan 2025], the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) has already determined the serotype of the virus. Further information can be found on the website of the FLI.
Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Ozdemir explains: "With the utmost commitment and expertise, the experts at our Friedrich Loeffler Institute are supporting the investigation into the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Brandenburg -- for that I thank them. The National Reference Laboratory of the FLI has now clarified the serotype of the virus found. This is an important step in the fight against the animal disease. It is good that the Brandenburg and Berlin authorities are reacting quickly to prevent it from spreading. The aim must continue to be to quickly contain foot-and-mouth disease and to keep the consequences for animals and damage to our agriculture and food industry as low as possible."
In order to protect against the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, the state of Berlin has also decided that no cloven-hoofed animals will be exhibited at the Green Week, which will take place in Berlin from 17 to 26 Jan 2025.
Federal Minister Ozdemir will meet with industry representatives on Monday [13 Jan 2025] to discuss the FMD outbreak. The Central Crisis Team for Animal Diseases has been convened for Tuesday [14 Jan 2025]. Together with Brandenburg, which is responsible for combating the outbreak, and experts from the FLI. The Federal Minister had already informed his colleagues from the federal states about the current situation on Friday evening [10 Jan 2025].
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[Identification of the serotype of FMDV involved is an important 1st step in the response to this outbreak. Testing of all farms in the vicinity as well as surveillance of other at-risk farms is also important. Traceback and supporting epidemiological studies will also be essential in understanding how the virus ended up at the site. Hopefully this is an isolated incident and not the tip of the proverbial iceberg. - Mod.JH
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