Germany Regains FMD Free Status

Major Milestone for German Agriculture and Meat Exports

Germany has officially regained its Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free status, a significant development for the country’s meat and dairy export industry. The announcement, made by the German Ministry of Agriculture, follows the country’s first FMD outbreak in nearly four decades.

Background: Isolated Outbreak in Brandenburg

The outbreak was confirmed on January 10, 2025, in a herd of water buffalo near Berlin, within the Brandenburg region. Fortunately, the infection was contained to a single case, and no further reports have emerged since. While the exact source remains unknown, domestic restrictions have largely been lifted.

WOAH Recognition and Export Implications

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has accepted Germany’s application to be declared FMD-free in most regions. As of March 12, 2025, all of Germany—except for a small containment zone around the original outbreak site—has been officially recognized as free of foot-and-mouth disease.

This status change is expected to:

• Lift export restrictions on German meat and dairy products
• Boost agricultural trade across Europe and globally
• Restore confidence in Germany’s livestock health standards

Conclusion

Germany’s swift containment and recovery from the FMD outbreak have paved the way for renewed international trade opportunities. With WOAH’s recognition and most domestic restrictions lifted, the country’s meat and dairy sectors are poised for a strong rebound in 2025.