Greens demand more protection against foot-and-mouth disease

The Greens in the Saxon state parliament are calling for better protection against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The danger of an outbreak of the highly contagious viral disease for animals has been averted for the time being thanks to the intensive efforts of the federal and state authorities in Brandenburg and Berlin, said MP Wolfram Günther. "Nevertheless, the state government must not be lulled into a false sense of security (...) The warning shot from Brandenburg should also have an effect here."

Greens want more education and support for farms

Günther - formerly Minister of Agriculture in Saxony - had asked about foot-and-mouth disease in the state parliament and received an answer from the responsible Ministry of Social Affairs. "Although the answer to my minor question shows comprehensive emergency plans in theory, there is still a lack of practice. Much more prevention is now needed, for example education and support for farms in drawing up and updating disease prevention plans," emphasized the politician.

In Günther's opinion, the Saxon government must immediately examine compensation for the affected farms in the event of a ban on the transportation of animals and animal products. "This would be possible with the help of a fund that absorbs economic losses caused by animal diseases. So far, there are no adequate mechanisms to compensate for the financial losses."

Testing equipment and resources must be available quickly in an emergency

In addition, rapid and precise diagnostics are crucial in the event of an FMD outbreak, emphasized Günther. Saxony urgently needs to further expand its diagnostic capacities. "All the necessary testing equipment and resources must be available quickly in an emergency."

In January, there was the first FMD outbreak in Germany for more than 35 years. The viral disease was discovered in a herd of water buffalo in Hönow in the Brandenburg district of Märkisch-Oderland. Since then, there have been no further confirmed cases.

Some non-EU countries have imposed import bans on meat and milk from all over Germany. In the EU, the principle of regionalization applies directly - products from outside the protection zone around the affected farm can be traded normally.