After being FMD-free for nearly 40 years, Germany detected FMD virus serotype O in a herd of water buffalo in Märkisch-Oderland, Brandenburg.
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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 Märkisch-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 Länder, 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, seven serotypes are known: O, A, C, Asia 1, SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3, which are divided into numerous subtypes and strains.
Germany's eastern state of Brandenburg Brandenburg near the border with Poland has reported another case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), officials confirmed on Thursday.
A spokesperson for the Barnim district told local media that the affected animal had been culled to prevent further spread of the disease.
A severe, fast-spreading viral disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, goats and deer, FMD is one of the most economically devastating and challenging animal diseases to control.
Symptoms include fever, blisters on the feet and mouth, loss of appetite, drooling and lameness.
Most herds affected are culled, as in the case of the 2001 UK FMD outbreak and the loss of more than 10 million animals.
Since the official information about the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease was published on the World Organisation for Animal Health portal, trade restrictions have been imposed by Australia, Argentina, Belarus, the United Kingdom, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Namibia, Russia, Uruguay and South Korea. Within the European Union, control measures have been tightened by Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands and Poland. ■
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