About this web page
The information on this page is also available in an importer update document dated 28 March 2025.
Importer update: Foot and mouth disease detected in Germany [PDF, 83 KB]
Situation status and timeline of FMD in Germany
On 10 January 2025, the European Union (EU) notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of a confirmed case of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Germany and consequently WOAH suspended Germany’s official FMD free country status.
The disease was identified in a herd of 14 water buffalo in the state of Brandenburg.
The European Union’s protocols for managing FMD are very strict, and an FMD restricted zone in Brandenburg and Berlin is in force. The European Union (EU) has recognised Germany’s FMD restricted zone, which has been in effect from 13 January 2025.
On 12 March 2025, the Germany regained its WOAH official FMD free country status, except for the territory of the containment zone.
How does this impact your imported animal products?
All consignments of animal product from Germany will be assessed as follows:
- A list of animal products eligible for entry into New Zealand using normal clearance processes is in this document: List of animal products from FMD susceptible animals [PDF, 126 KB]
- Other animal products with a production, slaughter or manufacturing date before 12 December 2024 are eligible for entry into New Zealand following normal clearance procedures. These products were produced, manufactured or come from animals slaughtered before FMD was first introduced into Germany.
- From 12 December 2024:
- Animal products accompanied by a veterinary certification meeting the requirements of an applicable import health standard are eligible for entry into New Zealand subject to normal clearance procedures. These products have been certified by German authorities as being sourced from animals from outside of Germany’s containment zone (that is, from FMD free areas in Germany).
- Animal products that do not require veterinary certification will be assessed according to risk.
For additional enquiries about importing, email animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz
How does this impact re-export of imported animal products?
Importers should be aware that the export requirements for animal product imported from Germany for further manufacturing in New Zealand may have changed. For enquiries about imported product intended for onward export, email tradeandinternationalrelations@mpi.govt.nz
