FMD outbreak in Germany. Should Luxembourg beware?

On Friday, 10 January 2025, a case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a viral disease affecting hoofed animals such as cows, sheep, goats and pigs, was reported in Brandenburg. The disease was detected in three water buffaloes from a herd of 14 animals. Analyses have confirmed that it is serotype O, but the source of infection has not yet been identified.

The Administration luxembourgeoise des services vétérinaires et alimentaires (ALVA) immediately started checking possible links to animals travelling from Brandenburg. For now, there are no restrictions on the movement of animals within the country. However, farmers and animal owners are asked to strengthen biosecurity controls on their farms.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, weakness and painful blisters and erosions on the mucous membranes of the mouth, hooves and other parts of the body. The disease is spread through direct contact with infected animals and their excreta.

The economic impact of FMD can be enormous, with outbreaks leading to mass slaughter, reduced milk production and poor weight gain in fattening animals. In adults, the disease is often latent, increasing the risk of undetected spread.

Foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a risk to humans if meat or milk from infected animals is consumed. However, outbreaks are regularly recorded in Turkey, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America. The main route of spread of the virus is the illegal importation of animal products from unfavourable regions.

Luxembourg authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are ready to take additional measures if epidemiological links to sick animals from Germany are found.