16 June 2025
On 10 January 2025, Germany notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on a small farm of 14 water buffaloes. In response, the department removed Germany from the Director of Biosecurity’s FMD-Free Country List and other relevant commodity-specific lists. Importation of goods containing or derived from FMD-susceptible species that were sourced from and/or manufactured in Germany from 14 November 2024 were restricted.
Germany immediately implemented emergency disease control and eradication measures. No further cases of FMD were reported in Germany beyond the initial farm. On 14 April 2025, WOAH reinstated the ‘FMD-free country where vaccination is not practised’ status for the whole of Germany.
The department has subsequently completed a detailed technical evaluation of Germany’s FMD status and an accompanying biosecurity risk assessment and is satisfied that Germany is free from FMD, with effect from 14 April 2025. Germany has now been added to the Director of Biosecurity’s FMD-Free Country List and other relevant commodity-specific lists.
Restrictions remain in place on the import of goods containing or derived from FMD-susceptible species sourced from and/or manufactured in Germany from 14 November 2024 until 14 April 2025, unless alternative risk management measures are in place.
The department will directly contact any biosecurity import permit holders or applicants affected by this change over the coming days.
Information about FMD and further information about the trade situation with Germany can be found on the department’s website.
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Dr Rochelle Prattley
Acting Assistant Secretary
Animal Biosecurity Branch
Email: animalbiosecurity@aff.gov.au