Brandenburg: Companies demand compensation for foot-and-mouth disease damage!

Brandenburg: Companies demand compensation for foot-and-mouth disease damage!

There is good news for agriculture in Brandenburg: companies that suffered from the economic effects of foot and mouth disease (FMD) can now apply for compensation payments. The state's Ministry of Agriculture announced this on Friday, July 11, 2025. The total funds provided, around 7.9 million euros, come from both the state of Brandenburg and the European Union, with 4.7 million euros coming from Brussels and 3.2 million euros being provided by the state. This paves the way for faster help to help companies that have run into difficulties as a result of the epidemic.

There is special compensation, especially for dairy cattle breeders who have suffered high losses when marketing their products due to a movement ban. Pig farmers can also hope for support if they were unable to slaughter their fattening pigs between January 10th and April 14th, 2025. Applications for compensation must be submitted to the Investment Bank of the State of Brandenburg (ILB). Agriculture Minister Hanka Mittelstädt (SPD) is pleased about the quick and unbureaucratic help that will benefit those affected, as the economic damage is estimated at around eight to nine million euros.

The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease

The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak was confirmed in the Märkisch-Oderland district on January 10, 2025, and it was the first case in Germany in decades. Things became particularly turbulent when the virus was first detected in a buffalo herd in Hönow. Due to the dangers to animal husbandry, exclusion 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 worsened further as numerous countries outside the EU temporarily stopped imports of certain meat and dairy products from Germany. Nevertheless, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH) was able to quickly reopen markets, for example in countries such as China and Great Britain. On April 14, 2025, Germany was finally classified as 'FMD-free without vaccination' by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) after successfully implementing all necessary measures to combat the outbreak.

FMD and its risks

Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily threatens cloven-hoofed animals, but does not pose a threat to humans. Pasteurized milk products are still safe. Even if no connection could be established between the outbreak in Brandenburg and other cases in Hungary and Slovakia, FMD is extremely economically burdensome for the affected companies. Therefore, the rapid response and support measures were of great importance.

The affected companies now need to submit their applications promptly so that they can quickly receive support during a difficult time. In times like these it becomes clear once again how important solidarity and support within agriculture are.

News Today reports that community solidarity is now particularly needed to cushion the economic consequences of foot-and-mouth disease. Loud rbb24 The situation is now being viewed sustainably so that future outbreaks can be better managed. The comprehensive information of the Federal Government also show that everything is being done to support affected animal owners in this crisis situation.