Germany FMD Freedom Status

As of 14thApril 2025, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has officially recognised Germany’s containment zone in Brandenburg and Berlin as being free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) without vaccination. This follows Germany’s submission in accordance with the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, and the conclusion by the WOAH Scientific Commission that the criteria for reinstatement of FMD-free status were met. The information is publicly available on the WOAH website.

While this is a significant development at the international level, Great Britain’s (GB’s) import policy with regards FMD in Germany has not changed at this stage. We are currently evaluating the updated status and will provide further guidance in due course.

In the meantime, imports of live animals and products of animal origin from Germany into GB should continue to follow the existing import conditions. The relevant lists and safeguard declarations published at Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products: topical issues – GOV.UK have been amended accordingly and include details of the extent of the containment zone from which exports to Great Britain remain restricted.

Defra have also issued a previous press notice, which can be found here.

Key points for PHAs to note:

• Great Britain has recognised regionalisation in Germany. The published lists and safeguard measures include the extent of the containment zone, from which exports to GB remain restricted.
• Trade may resume only from areas outside of the containment zone, provided that all other import conditions are met.
• For certification purposes, GB considers areas outside the containment zone to be free from FMD for at least 24 months.
• Import restrictions for other diseases, such as Bluetongue and African Swine Fever, continue to apply and should be enforced accordingly.

For consignments involving bovine, ovine and caprine semen, ova and embryos, the correct ISO code as listed in the relevant GOV.UK tables must be:

• Entered in Box I.8 of the export health certificate, and
• Included in the first paragraph of the relevant animal health attestation.

 We will continue to monitor developments and communicate any updates as they arise.

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