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Title: Anticipated Severe Impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Title: The Surprise Rupture at the Workplace

In an initiative to combat foot-and-mouth disease, a district physician meticulously examines a...
In an initiative to combat foot-and-mouth disease, a district physician meticulously examines a bovine on a Rhineland-Palatinate farm, searching for any indications of illness.

Title: Anticipated Severe Impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

The foot-and-mouth disease has become a significant issue for farmers in Brandenburg, Germany, causing substantial financial damage. Joachim Rukwied, the president of the German Farmers' Association, has voiced his concerns about the economic repercussions of this disease outbreak. He stated, "This disease is a severe blow to our livestock operations due to its significant economic consequences."

Rukwied admitted that the consequences for livestock farmers are currently uncertain, but he predicted massive losses. Farmers are currently unable to export their produce to markets outside the EU, such as the UK. He emphasized the importance of keeping EU markets open and restoring access, especially to the UK. Rukwied emphasized that containing the disease was now a top priority and expected decisive action from the federal and state governments.

The German Raiffeisen Association also anticipated high economic losses for the agricultural sector due to the outbreak. According to their main manager, Joerg Migende, they expect a billion euros in turnover loss already. The Association of the Meat Industry had previously estimated damages in the mid-three-digit million range.

Foot-and-mouth disease was detected on a farm in Märkisch-Oderland, Brandenburg, and three water buffalo died from the disease. The virus primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. The disease has a short incubation period, between two and seven days, indicating rapid spread. Although the disease is rarely fatal, it poses risks to young animals and leaves survivors weakened.

In Germany, the virus was last detected over 35 years ago, and there had been no confirmed cases in the EU before the Brandenburg outbreak. The virus can remain infectious for months or even years, and it can be spread through direct contact between animals, vehicles, or clothing.

To control the outbreak, several measures have been implemented. A 72-hour animal transport ban in Brandenburg has been enforced, affecting cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, camels, alpacas, and llama. Around 200 pigs at a farm near the outbreak site have been slaughtered as a precautionary measure, and the remaining 11 water buffalo will also be slaughtered. A 3-kilometer exclusion zone has been established around the affected farm to prevent further spread. Emergency vaccines have been ordered, vital biosecurity measures implemented, and international cooperation sought.

Economic support may also be considered for farmers affected by the outbreak. The agricultural sector plans to maintain high levels of biosecurity and promptly report any disease suspicions to prevent future outbreaks.

The economic impact of the foot-and-mouth disease on farmers in Brandenburg is a significant concern for Joachim Rukwied, as he anticipates massive losses for the agricultural sector. Due to the disease outbreak, farmers in Germany are currently unable to export their produce to markets outside the EU, such as the UK, leading to potential billion-euro turnover losses.

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