WOAH Confirms Foot and Mouth Disease Free Status for Germany

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has announced that it has re-established foot and mouth disease free status for almost all of Germany. The decision was approved with effect from 12 March 2025. This follows the acceptance of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food's (BMEL) application to establish a protection zone.

Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir said: "Almost all of Germany is now free of foot-and-mouth disease, and this has been officially confirmed by the WOAH. This sends a clear message to our trading partners." Özdemir emphasised that the WOAH approval is an important step for exports and expressed his belief that international trade will return to normal in a short time.

This decision of the WOAH means that Germany's efforts in the field of animal health are recognised internationally. Minister Özdemir thanked the state and federal authorities, veterinary teams and research institutes who contributed to the process and said, ‘This success is the result of the joint efforts of all of us.’

The foot-and-mouth disease-free status will provide significant relief for animal movements and exports throughout the country, although protection measures will continue in certain regions.