The German authorities and the meat and livestock sector are showing signs of optimism as they believe that the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has been contained. This positive development has had a significant impact on the market, as reported by Reuters.

Since the initial confirmation of the disease in a small herd of buffalo near Berlin on January 10, no further cases have been reported. While the source of the outbreak is still unknown, some emergency measures to control the disease have been lifted, although quarantine zones remain in place, according to Reuters.

Following the outbreak, the German VZEG pig price experienced a 10 euro-cent drop last week, marking the second consecutive decline of that magnitude during a challenging period for the market. However, prices have stabilized this week at €1.72/kg, as concerns of a widespread foot-and-mouth epidemic have eased, industry groups revealed on Wednesday.

The VEZG noted that the atmosphere in the pigmeat market was tense, but the volumes available for sale were sufficient to meet demand, and prices remained steady. A meat trader commented on the situation, stating, “The lack of new cases brings hope that the disease has been contained. It also looks like German sales within the EU will continue.”

The European Commission has acknowledged Germany’s efforts to prevent the spread of the disease, allowing for the regionalization principle to be implemented. This means that livestock and meat products can be exported to other EU countries from regions of Germany where foot-and-mouth disease is not present. However, import bans remain in effect in some non-EU countries, such as Great Britain, South Korea, and Mexico.

Reports indicate that Brandenburg has taken steps to activate its foot-and-mouth disease vaccine bank. The vaccine will be maintained in stock in case it is needed in the event of a further spread of the disease or its transmission to other regions of Germany.

Several federal states in Germany established their own foot-and-mouth disease vaccine banks years ago. The European Commission permits member states to utilize these vaccines as an additional measure for disease control, subject to specific conditions, as reported by Agriland.

In conclusion, the containment of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Germany has brought relief to the authorities and the meat and livestock sector. The stabilization of prices and the potential for continued sales within the EU are positive signs for the market. With the activation of vaccine banks and efforts to prevent the disease from spreading further, Germany is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its livestock industry.