In Germany, health experts continue to investigate what caused an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the state of Brandenburg, the first in 35 years in the country. As a protective measure, Switzerland has banned the importation of animals or animal products from this region.
Three cases of foot-and-mouth disease, a disease that decimates livestock, were announced last week in water buffalo in the Brandenburg region, around Berlin, a first in the European Union since 2011 and in Germany since 1988. The contaminated animals died and the 11 other animals in the herd were slaughtered preventively.
Since then, authorities have been scrambling to prevent potential spread, testing animals and limiting transport from the affected area.
Protective measures
These cases worry neighboring countries and in particular Switzerland, where the last case dates back to 1980. The Confederation has decided to take protective measures. However, these measures are limited to the German region concerned, specifies the Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FSVO).
Concretely, “it is prohibited to remove hoofed animals, such as cows and sheep,” from affected areas, as well as “products” derived from these animals, such as meat, milk or wool, explains Tiziana Boebner. Lombardo, spokesperson for the OSAV, on Friday at the RTS microphone.
Safe for humans
Although foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious epizootic, can have serious consequences for animals and the economy, the disease does not represent “any direct danger to human health”, the OSAV reiterates.
-Bern, however, recommends that people traveling in this region avoid any contact with hoofed animals and when returning to Switzerland, clean clothes or shoes thoroughly before approaching animals.
Radio subject: Anne Fournier
Web article: doe with afp
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