The cases were confirmed on 10 January 2025 and affected three water buffalo out of a herd of 14. The remaining animals in the herd have been culled to prevent further spread.
200 pigs on a nearby farm have also been culled as a precaution.
The NFU is aware that Belgium is also investigating suspected FMD.
NFU Cymru comment
Following confirmation of an outbreak of FMD in a small herd of Water Buffalo in Germany, NFU Cymru President Aled Jones has said: “The confirmed outbreak of FMD in Germany will send a shudder down the spine of every livestock keeper. We fully support the actions taken and stringent controls that have been put in place by the German authorities, and we sincerely hope that this will mean the disease has been contained to that one herd.
"The confirmation of disease is a reminder to all of us in the livestock sector to be vigilant for exotic notifiable diseases. Most important of all it is a reminder to the UK Government and its Border and Animal Health agencies to take every possible action to secure our borders against the risk of importing disease into the UK."
Welsh Government comment
Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, Richard Irvine, said: “We are aware of the single case of Foot and Mouth Disease in Germany and are working closely with the UK Government to protect our livestock following this unfortunate news. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“The import of cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany is prohibited to protect farmers and their livelihoods. GB import health certificates will no longer be issued for animals susceptible to FMD including for all live animals and fresh meat.”
“We have robust contingency plans in place to manage risk and protect farmers and our food security, which means using all measures to limit the risk of incursion and spread of this devastating disease. Foot and Mouth disease does not pose a risk to human health or food safety.
“I urge livestock keepers to maintain the highest levels of vigilance and biosecurity, and to practice the safe-sourcing of livestock and germinal products to protect our herds and flocks, and keep animal disease out of Wales. If you suspect Foot and Mouth disease it is essential to report this immediately.”
