Minister Wiersma of LVVN: “After the concerning news from Germany, I am very vigilant regarding an infection with foot-and-mouth disease in the Netherlands. Currently, there is no reason or suspicion of infection in the Netherlands. I hope this remains so in the coming time. Preliminary investigations have shown that since December 1, there have been no direct livestock transports from Brandenburg to the Netherlands. However, since we now know that calves from Brandenburg have entered the Netherlands through collection centers in other parts of Germany, I want to take precautions. I also appreciate that the sector itself has already taken proactive measures. Hopefully, we can minimize the chances of infection as much as possible. I maintain close contact with the sector and will share information as soon as we receive more details from Germany or experts have.”
The calf sector has informed the ministry and the NVWA that since December 1, over 3,600 calves from Brandenburg have been brought to the Netherlands via collection centers in Germany. These calves are spread across 125 veal calf farms in the Netherlands. The NVWA is currently investigating whether there are infections at these farms. To limit potential spread, a nationwide ban on the export of veal calves has been established, except for slaughter transports, which pose no risks to food safety and have a low risk of spread. These transports must adhere to mandatory hygiene protocols. Furthermore, a visitor ban is in effect for veal calf farms, except for necessary visitors such as veterinarians, who must comply with strict hygiene protocols. These measures will remain in place until we know more about the NVWAs research results and the situation in Germany. This may take several days.
The NVWA is also looking into other sensitive animal species and categories, such as pigs and small ruminants like goats and sheep, that may have had risky contacts. Other sectors have been asked to report if any animals or animal products have been imported directly or indirectly from Brandenburg to the Netherlands recently. Additionally, Minister Wiersma has requested the Expert Group on Animal Diseases to make a risk assessment as soon as possible, and Wageningen Bioveterinary Research has been tasked with testing the negatively tested samples that were sent for blue tongue testing for the presence of foot-and-mouth disease. All measures are taken as a precaution.