Germany’s Federal Minister of Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, expressed confidence in the country’s ability to contain the current outbreak of the bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) and swine fever (ASF) in Germany. In an interview with the Rheinische Post, Özdemir stated, “Yes, but we must not let our guard down. Harsh measures are still necessary.”
The minister acknowledged the difficulties faced by those in the restricted zone, saying, “I know it hurts those who are in the quarantine area. But we must do everything to prevent the outbreak.” He also recognized the concerns of exporters and farmers, stating, “I know about the worries of the livestock keepers, I know about the concerns of the export businesses.”
Regarding third countries, Özdemir emphasized transparency, saying, “We have nothing to hide.” He expressed a desire for a regional strategy in Europe, where products outside the restricted zone can be exported normally, and also expressed a similar wish for partners outside the EU.
On the same day, Özdemir announced that a suspected case of BVD and ASF in the Barnim district had not been confirmed.