Foot and mouth disease detected 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.
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 EU has recognised Germany’s FMD restricted zone, which has been in effect from 13 January 2025.
Impact on imported animal products from Germany to New Zealand
New Zealand is actively monitoring the FMD situation in Germany.
Like many countries, New Zealand uses 2 FMD incubation cycles as the tracing period in the event of an FMD outbreak. This is being applied to products imported from Germany.
All consignments of animal product from Germany will be assessed according to their production, slaughter, or manufacturing date as follows.
Before 12 December 2024
Eligible for entry into New Zealand following normal clearance procedures.
Between 12 December 2024 and 12 January 2025
These will be assessed according to risk. A list of animal products eligible for entry into New Zealand using normal clearance processes is provided on this page. (Jump to list)
All other consignments will be assessed by MPI, and only animal products that meet New Zealand’s import requirements will be eligible for clearance. Note that MPI might need to seek consignment-specific information from the German authorities to help with the assessment.
From 13 January 2025
These may be imported, however, an additional verification check will occur during border clearance processes. In some cases, MPI may need to seek further information from the German authorities.
Importers should consider the commercial risks before importing.
Impact on re-export of imported animal products
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.
List of animal products from FMD susceptible animals
The following animal products can be given clearance if they meet an applicable import health standard:
- UHT dairy product
- extruded or canned/retorted pet food
- protein meal
- in vivo derived bovine embryos
- semi-processed leather and fully tanned hides and skins
- processed hides and skins (pickled or limed)
- scoured and/or dyed wool (for example wool tops)
- a product (excluding game trophies) described under the Import Health Standard: Specified Animal Products (for example, gelatine, collagen, canned, or retorted animal product).
Download FMD Germany documents
The information on this page is also available in 2 documents.
Importer update: Foot and mouth disease detected in Germany [PDF, 79 KB]
List of animal products from FMD susceptible animals [PDF, 130 KB]
