Maul and claw disease: Hönow under quarantine- what to do now!

Maul and claw disease: Hönow under quarantine- what to do now!

In the Hönow region of the Märkisch-Oderland district, an official outbreak of the mouth and claw disease (MKS) in water buffalos occurred. In order to contain the spread of these contagious animal disease, restriction areas were set up in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and the delegated regulation (EU) 2020/687. The district of Treptow-Köpenick has defined both a protective zone and a surveillance zone to effectively monitor and control the epidemic operation, as [berlin.de] (https://www.berlin.de/ba-treptow-koepenick/aktuelles/PressMageilungen/2025/Pressemage department. 1519891.php)

The defined surveillance zone extends from the state border to Brandenburg in the north to Mahlsdorfer Straße in the west and includes important traffic routes such as the S-Bahn route. Pet owners within this zone are obliged to report the number of their animals they have held as well as any illness or deaths. In addition, numerous animal activities, including the moving of animals and animal products, are strictly prohibited in order to minimize the risk of further spreading the virus. In the event of violations, there are considerable fines of up to 30,000 euros, as described in the general decision of the veterinary office.

urgent measures to combat displacement

The authorities underline the urgency of these measures because MKS has a potentially catastrophic impact on agriculture. Among other things, the virus spreads through direct contact between infected and healthy animals and can even be transmitted via the air. The health authorities have issued clear guidelines for disinfecting stables and means of transport in order to prevent the virus from being introduced into healthy stocks, as can also be seen in the legal regulations that are anchored in the regulation (EC) 1774/2002 and the animal materials law [RIS.BKA.GV.AT] (https://ris.bka.gv.at/eli/bgbl/ii/2008/19/p11/nor4009246?sort=0%7CASC&kasch=Gesamt query).

The situation requires an immediate reaction, since the disease can cause serious symptoms in other steal animals. Diseased animals must immediately be pulled out of circulation and disposed of in a special facility to prevent the pathogen from spreading further. The ordered immediate implementation of these measures ensures that even contradictions against the disposal have no suspensive effect, which underlines the seriousness of the disease situation.

Rathaus Treptow-Köpenick