Last week, the discovery of a Canada goose dead from avian flu caused concern among poultry farmers. The H5N1 virus variant is very contagious. Now farms, zoos and animal parks are also on alert because of foot and mouth disease (FMD). This disease, which is fatal to even-toed ungulates, was discovered in water buffaloes in Brandenburg. The Hessian Farmers’ Association is worried. “The concern is great, but we trust in official measures to reduce the risk of the spread of foot-and-mouth disease,” said a spokeswoman. “At the same time, we appeal to all animal owners to take the necessary measures to protect against the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.” Even if Hesse is not directly affected, the impact on animal husbandry businesses in the state is very high. “As a result of the outbreak, Germany has lost its foot-and-mouth disease-free status. In this case, especially when it comes to exports of animal products to third countries, there are significant restrictions and the first countries have stopped accepting animal products from Germany.” These lost exports had an impact has a direct negative impact. “Since the effects of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak have a massive impact on farms, hobby farms, zoos and wildlife parks, but also wild animals, we must all work together to ensure that the risk of the spread of foot-and-mouth disease is minimized,” said the spokeswoman Farmers’ Association continues.Immediate measures takenLast week there was an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Germany for the first time in more than 35 years. The viral disease, which is highly contagious for animals, was discovered in a herd of water buffalo in the Märkisch-Oderland district of Brandenburg. The virus is harmless to humans, but foot-and-mouth disease can be spread through anything that has been in contact with an infected animal. Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) had therefore set up a central crisis team. The Hessian Ministry of Agriculture has already taken emergency measures to detect a possible outbreak of the animal disease in the state as quickly as possible. “Additional PCR tests will be used to detect infection in dead animals, as well as so-called Elisa tests to detect antibodies,” the ministry said. There is also an urgent recommendation not to hold any animal shows or auctions. Animal parks are also on alert. “We have taken some preventative measures regarding foot and mouth disease,” said the Frankfurt Zoo. “For example, the petting zoo will remain closed until further notice. Other facilities and enclosures that house potentially endangered ungulate species are separated from visitor paths by additional barriers to prevent direct contact. But all the animals can still be seen by visitors.” Zoo animals are not allowed to be fed. Meanwhile, the Opel Zoo emphasizes that the protection of animals is also a top priority in the Taunus. “There are currently no official regulations for the Opel Zoo, but the zoo animals are being monitored very closely by vets against this background,” said the zoo management upon request. “An infection with the highly contagious foot and mouth disease would also be a danger for the zoo animals in the Opel Zoo. The viral disease affects cloven-hoofed animals, i.e. cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. But zoo animals such as elephants, giraffes and other hoofed animals can also suffer life-threatening illnesses.” To protect the animals, it is particularly important that the rule that already applies is not to feed the zoo animals any food that they have brought with them. As a first measure, the “Alte Fasanerie” wildlife park in Hanau says it has closed not only the petting zoo but also the fallow deer stalking trail and falconry. There will be no demonstrations in the fallow deer enclosure. The sale of animal food for park visitors has also been stopped. The steps have been coordinated with the veterinary office. They also want to make visitors aware of the danger and educate them to avoid direct contact with animals. Even if the disease has only been an isolated case so far, it is assumed that the disease will spread and hope for a vaccine. More on the topicThe Vivarium in Darmstadt says it has closed several walk-in facilities for the welfare of the animals. This applies to the kangaroo enclosure, the tapir house and the petting zoo. Other, non-accessible facilities for potentially susceptible animal species are currently more extensively cordoned off. Nevertheless, the animals can be seen by visitors. Additional prophylactic measures apply to the zoo’s employees, such as the use of disinfection tubs and disinfectant sprays. According to the Pheasantry in Wiesbaden, the foot-and-mouth disease in Brandenburg is also an isolated case – in their own words, they therefore see no need for action yet. A closure or partial closure is not planned for the time being. However, the management keeps itself informed about what is happening. “If there is a spread, we would take the necessary measures immediately and in close consultation with the responsible veterinarian and the veterinary office,” said the pheasantry. Bird flu is also a concern. In addition to foot and mouth disease, the veterinary offices are also still concerned about a Spread of bird flu after infection of a Canada goose was detected in the Eschersheim district of Frankfurt last week. The state palace administration therefore points out the ban on feeding birds in gardens and parks. Visitors should also keep their distance from ducks, geese, chickens, swans, peacocks and other birds. The veterinary office of the Hochtaunuskreis is now calling on the residents of the region, like the city of Frankfurt, to help contain avian influenza. Sick or dead animals, especially waterfowl such as swans, ducks or geese, should be reported to the district veterinary office. However, songbirds or pigeons found dead should only be reported if several dead birds of these species are found in one place. Poultry farmers are urged to exercise extreme caution as chickens and turkeys are susceptible to the pathogen. If avian influenza is detected, all animals in the respective poultry population would have to be killed.
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