No foot-and-mouth disease found in cattle imported from Brandenburg

None of the 888 cattle recently imported from Brandenburg, Germany, to the Netherlands have tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Minister of Agriculture Femke Wiersma informed the Tweede Kamer in a letter. A decision on easing preventive measures against the virus is expected next week.

Thousands of animals imported earlier from Brandenburg underwent a different type of test. Among the over 1,000 results received so far, 12 showed positive outcomes. However, Wiersma stated these results are not a cause for concern, as false positives are possible with these types of tests. "Given the large number of tests conducted, this was expected," she said.

"The results provide significant reassurance," Wiersma noted. "No FMD virus has been detected. However, it is still too early to be completely confident." She added that additional test results are forthcoming, and some may need to be retested to ensure absolute certainty.

The ban on transporting veal calves from farms, except for those being sent to slaughter, is in place starting Saturday. Visits to veal farms are prohibited, except for essential personnel, such as veterinarians. Wiersma emphasized that easing these restrictions is not yet under consideration. "I want to have all test results before taking further steps," she wrote.

Since December 1, a total of 3,754 cattle have been imported from Brandenburg. These animals were given an ELISA test to detect antibodies against FMD. The 888 animals brought to the Netherlands on or after January 10, less than two weeks before testing, were also subjected to a PCR test to check for active virus presence.

According to Wiersma, the likelihood of animals that have been in the Netherlands longer carrying the virus is "minimal," as FMD symptoms typically appear within two to 14 days after infection.