Brandenburg: Companies are calling for compensation for MKS damage!

Brandenburg: Companies are calling for compensation for MKS damage!

Märkisch-Oderland, Deutschland - In Brandenburg there are good news for agriculture: companies that have suffered from the economic effects of the mouth and claw disease (MKS) can apply for compensation payments now. This was announced by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture on Friday, July 11, 2025. The total funds provided by around 7.9 million euros flow from the state of Brandenburg and from the European Union, with 4.7 million euros from Brussels and 3.2 million euros are provided by the country. Thus, the path for faster help is paved to help the companies, which have come into trouble by the plague.

Especially for dairy farmers who have suffered high losses in marketing their products through a ban on the transfer of a breeding ban. Pig owners can also hope for support if they could not slaughter their mast pigs between January 10 and April 14, 2025. Applications for the compensation must be submitted to the State of Brandenburg (ILB) investment bank. Minister of Agriculture Hanka Mittelstädt (SPD) is pleased with the quick and unbureaucratic help that will benefit those affected, because the economic damage is estimated at around eight to nine million euros.

The outbreak of the MKS

The MKS outbreak was confirmed on January 10, 2025 in the Märkisch-Oderland district, and it was the first case in Germany for decades. It became particularly turbulent when the virus was first demonstrated at a buffalo herd in Hönow. Due to the dangers of animal husbandry, blocking zones were immediately set up, and there was a strict ban on the transport of animals and their products from the affected areas.

The situation continued to come to a head, since numerous countries outside the EU temporarily stopped the import of certain meat and dairy products from Germany. Nevertheless, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH) was able to quickly open the markets, for example in countries such as China and Great Britain. On April 14, 2025, Germany was finally classified by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) as 'MKS-Free without vaccination' after all the necessary measures were successfully implemented to combat the outbreak.

the MKS and their risks

The mouth and claw disease is a highly contagious viral disease, which primarily threatens claws, but is not a threat to humans. Pasteurized dairy products are still harmless. Even if there was no connection between the outbreak in Brandenburg and other cases in Hungary and Slovakia, the MKS is economically extremely stressful for the affected companies. Therefore, the fast reactions and support measures were of great importance.

For the companies concerned, it is now important to submit the applications promptly so that they can quickly receive support in a difficult time. In times like these, once again it shows how important solidarity and support within agriculture are.

News today reports that the solidarity of the community is now particularly in demand in order to cushion the economic consequences of the MKS. According to rbb24 , the situation is now considered sustainable so that future outbreaks can be better managed. The comprehensive information of the Federal Government also show that everything is set to support affected pet owners in this crisis situation.