Thuringia drills for an emergency: MKS is effectively combated!

Thuringia drills for an emergency: MKS is effectively combated!

In the past few days, Thuringia has had anything but a quiet time. In view of the serious outbreak of the mouth and claw disease (MKS) in Brandenburg on January 10, 2025, an extensive animal disease exercise was carried out from June 30th to July 2. This exercise was not just a test run, but an important step to prepare for possible future outbreaks. As the Thuringian Bauernverband , in addition to the veterinary and food monitoring offices, agricultural companies also took part in the exercises.

The exercise simulated an MKS outbreak in various companies, including a pig breeding company in Weimarer Land, a mast pigry in the Unstrut-Hainich district and a milk cattle company in the district of Sömmerda. The aim of the measure was to test the processes in combating the disease under realistic conditions and to identify and remedy possible weaknesses in the organization.

Together against the disease

Another essential element of the exercise was the convening of the state -disease crises, which actively took action on July 1st. At this point, the Thuringian Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Work and Family also controlled the situation to ensure that all the necessary measures are taken. With the help of institutional coordination, including the Thuringian State Office for Consumer Protection, a comprehensive strategy to combat the disease was developed and implemented.

The participants of the exercise agreed that a coordinated approach to combat animal diseases is essential. As tmasgff.de , the findings from the exercise also play an important role. These are to be systematically evaluated in order to continue to optimize the processes described and to represent the interests of farmers.

The background to the mouth and claw disease

The mouth and claw disease is considered one of the most devastating animal diseases and primarily affects the banks of the couple such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. Wild and zoo animals are also affected, while people are not at risk of the disease. The symptoms are clear: animals develop painful blisters and lesions on their mouths, nose, teats and claws. As is well known, the last infection in Germany was found in Brandenburg in January 2025, with several outbreaks in Hungary and Slovakia, the thousands of animals were concerned. In an appeal of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Instituts it is emphasized that pet owners and veterinarians have to be particularly vigilant to recognize symptoms at an early stage and prevent unnecessary outbreaks.