As the outbreak of the classical swine fever (MKS) in Brandenburg has raised concerns, German Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (Greens) has emphasized the need to quickly contain the virus to protect animals and minimize damage to the country’s agriculture and food industry.
Özdemir, speaking on Monday, stated that the top priority is to ensure swift clarity on the spread of the highly infectious animal disease. He has coordinated with the affected associations and takes their concerns seriously, adding that he has been in contact with trading partners in third countries and is advocating for limitations on the restrictions, consideration of safe processing methods, and the regionalization principle.
Germany is making every effort to enable the export to as many markets as possible as quickly as possible, the minister said.
The highly contagious classical swine fever had not been detected in Germany since 1988 before it reappeared over the weekend. The virus was found in a water buffalo herd in Brandenburg, resulting in the deaths of three animals, with the rest being slaughtered as a precautionary measure. Following the outbreak, various export restrictions were imposed, including a ban on German pork imports by South Korea.