Overview

• Germany regained its MKS-free status three months after the January outbreak in Brandenburg's Märkisch-Oderland district.
• The six-kilometer protection zone and related restrictions have been lifted following negative tests in all susceptible animals.
• Agricultural export bans imposed by non-EU countries caused significant economic losses, though some restrictions have since been relaxed.
• Officials and agricultural groups emphasize continued biosecurity, citing risks from outbreaks in Hungary and Slovakia, as well as travel and trade activities.
• Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir criticized the U.S. for withdrawing from global animal disease efforts, warning it could hinder outbreak prevention and research.