Thuringia in action: Animal disease exercise for mouth and claw disease successfully

Thuringia in action: Animal disease exercise for mouth and claw disease successfully

Especially in times when animal diseases are a constant topic, Thuringia has a significant exercise to combat the mouth and claw disease (MKS). From June 30 to July 2, 2025, the intensive exercises took place, in which, in addition to veterinary authorities, the State Office for Consumer Protection and the Bundeswehr were also involved. The aim of this exercise was to optimize processes and to uncover possible weaknesses in epidemic management, such as news-hute.net reported.

The exercise scenario included simulated outbreaks of the MKS in pigs and cattle companies in the Weimar Land, Unstrut-Hainich-Kreis and in Sömmerda. Including zones were set up and epidemiological investigations were made. As experts know, the mouth and claw disease is a highly contagious viral disease in paired horses that are harmless for humans but can cause enormous economic damage.

The risk of infection

The MKS is nothing to be traced with. Affected by a high infection rate, the virus shows various symptoms in both cattle and pigs. These range from painful bubbles and lameness to more inconspicuous signs in sheep. According to the updated leaflet on the MKS from THSK can also survive in the environment for months, which the situation is complicated power.

The incubation period varies depending on the animal species. Cattle usually show symptoms after two to seven days, while in pigs it can take between two and twelve days. It is all the important to report the MKS to the Veterinary Office if the MKS suspected, since the disease is subject to reporting. Preventive measures such as avoiding animal purchases and transports as well as the disinfection of transport vehicles are also crucial to minimize the risk of infection.

The location in Brandenburg

Another example of the challenges in animal disease management is the African Swine plague (ASP), which was found in Brandenburg. The first cases occurred in the district of Spree-Neiße, such as the website of barnim.de . This plague also has serious effects on agriculture and requires extensive protective measures for containment.

The risk of animal diseases such as MKS and ASP shows how important the regular training and implementation of such exercises are. State Secretary Udo Götze praised the cooperation of the institutions and emphasized the importance of this preparation for quick and coordinated action in the event of a crisis. Experience from the latest Thuringian exercise should help to further optimize disease control in the future and to make it even more effective.