The three-kilometer protection zone and the ten-kilometer surveillance zone around the operation where the mouth and foot-and-mouth disease was found will not be expanded. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture announced this on Wednesday, citing a corresponding decision by the European Commission.
The news from the past week was a ray of hope for farmers, said Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens). “The Commission has not expanded the area blocked by Brandenburg. Meat and dairy products produced outside the restricted area can continue to be traded in the EU.”
The current situation is very challenging for the farms, explained the Green politician. “Many farmers are worried about their animals. The goal must continue to be to prevent the spread of the virus, to protect the animals, and to minimize damage to our agricultural and food economy” said Özdemir.