The recent confirmation of the first case of foot and mouth disease in Germany in 37 years prompted a series of tests in the Netherlands to ensure the disease had not spread to the country. The results of these tests have indicated that no animals in the Netherlands have been infected with foot and mouth disease. As a result, Minister Femke Marije Wiersma of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Safety, and Nature (LVVN) has made the decision to reduce the measures that were previously put in place to prevent the spread of the disease.

The measures that have been reduced include movement bans and visits to veal calf farms. These restrictions will only remain in place for the 12 farms where the results of new tests are still pending. The final results of these tests are expected to be known early next week. As of Friday, January 24, the LVVN Minister has lifted the movement and visitation bans for the majority of farms in the country.

Despite the lifting of these measures, the LVVN will continue to closely monitor the situation in Germany. Fortunately, no new cases of foot and mouth disease have been found in the country. Germany has also not extended the general transport restrictions in the state of Brandenburg, as it has been confirmed that no other farms are infected. However, the restriction and surveillance zones of 3 and 10 kilometers around the affected water buffalo farm in Germany will remain in force until at least February 11 in accordance with European animal health regulations.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Safety, and Nature in the Netherlands will continue to stay vigilant and monitor the situation in Germany to ensure the disease does not spread further. The safety and health of animals in the country remain a top priority, and the government will take necessary measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease.

In conclusion, the recent tests conducted in the Netherlands following the confirmation of foot and mouth disease in Germany have shown that the disease has not spread to animals in the country. Minister Femke Marije Wiersma has lifted the movement and visitation bans for the majority of farms, with only a few farms still under restrictions pending test results. The LVVN will continue to monitor the situation in Germany and adhere to European animal health regulations to prevent the spread of the disease. The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the safety and health of animals in the Netherlands.