Cows in Luxembourg, July 2023; Credit: Jazmin Campbell

The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) has reported that, on Friday 10 January 2025, the highly contagious viral disease Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) was detected in Brandenburg, Germany, with three water buffaloes, from a total of fourteen animals tested, returning a positive result.

The disease typically affects cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.

Investigations showed that the infections were serotype O, but the source of infection is currently unknown and further epidemiological investigations are underway.

Current situation in Luxembourg

ALVA reported that it is actively monitoring the situation and examining possible epidemiological links with animal movements from Brandenburg. There are currently no restrictions on animal movements within Luxembourg. Nevertheless, animal owners are urged to review their biosecurity measures and to adhere to them consistently.

Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD) profile

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease which primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Various zoo and wild animals are also susceptible. Affected animals develop fever, become lethargic and suffer from blister-like lesions (aphthae) and erosions on mucous membranes, as well as on hairless skin around the mouth and claws.

An FMD outbreak can have serious economic consequences and is transmitted through direct contact between infected animals and their bodily excretions. The disease is usually controlled by culling the affected animals. Since the disease often has no externally visible symptoms in adult animals, the disease can spread very quickly without being noticed. It is, however, safe for humans to consume food such as milk or meat from infected animals.

ALVA has made the following recommendations for animal owners:

- pay close attention to clinical signs of FMD in animals, such as fever combined with blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the feet and udder;

- report suspected cases immediately to ALVA;

- review and consistently adhere to biosecurity measures, in particular: avoid contact with cloven-hoofed animals from outside the farm; reduce contact with people and vehicles from outside the farm to a minimum; only purchase susceptible animals from safe farms with health certificates.

FMD outbreaks regularly occur in countries such as Turkey, the Middle East, Africa, many Asian countries and parts of South America, with a greater risk of introduction coming through illegally imported animal products from affected countries.

The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) can be contacted via email: info@alva.etat.lu.