Cem Özdemir, Germany’s Minister of Agriculture, expressed his confidence, on Monday 27 January, at the Council of European Agriculture Ministers regarding measures to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany, following the outbreak of the disease in Brandenburg on 10 January.
“We don’t know how this outbreak came about”, said the German minister, who stressed that there had been no other cases of foot-and-mouth disease. Animals were slaughtered within a one-kilometre radius of the outbreak and a surveillance zone was set up (see EUROPE 13563/25).
“I hope that this outbreak will not cause any problems”, said Poland, which warned against disproportionate unilateral measures being taken in return by third countries.
The Netherlands raised the possibility of vaccinating animals as a preventive measure. Spain called for adequate funding and Portugal regretted the reduction in EU co-financing for veterinary expenditure. Italy mentioned the need to provide support for livestock farmers. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)