DAFF reinstates Germany to FMD-free country list
16 June 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has completed its detailed technical evaluation of Germany’s food-and-mouth disease (FMD) status and an accompanying biosecurity risk assessment. It is satisfied that Germany is now free from FMD, with effect from 14 April 2025.
Germany has therefore been reinstated to the Director of Biosecurity’s FMD-Free Country List and other relevant commodity-specific lists.
Restrictions remain in place on the import of goods containing or derived from FMD-susceptible species sourced from and/or manufactured in Germany from 14 November 2024 until 14 April 2025, unless alternative risk management measures are in place. Further details on the trade situation with Germany can be found on the department’s website.
The department continues to actively monitor the FMD outbreak situation in Hungary and Slovakia and is not considering any change to the requirements for these countries.
Issue for members
While the news of Germany’s FMD-free list reinstatement is extremely positive, the experience has highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains in response to changes in biosecurity risks. Members are encouraged to continue to monitor the situation in Europe closely and review business continuity plans as appropriate.
You can subscribe on the DAFF website to receive relevant biosecurity and import advisory notices.
AFGC action
The AFGC has been assisting affected members liaise with the department in response to the FMD situation in Europe, while advocating for practical, risk-based import conditions.
The AFGC will continue keep the members informed of any further developments.
Background
FMD is a serious and highly contagious animal disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, deer and camelids (camels, alpacas and llamas).
On 10 January 2025, Germany notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of an outbreak FMD on a small farm of 14 water buffaloes. In response, the DAFF removed Germany from the Director of Biosecurity’s FMD-Free Country List and other relevant commodity-specific lists. Importation of goods into Australia containing or derived from FMD-susceptible species that were sourced from and/or manufactured in Germany from 14 November 2024 were restricted.
Australia is free from FMD and has been for over 100 years. While it poses no human health threat, there would be severe consequences for animal health and trade of dairy, meat, and livestock if FMD was to occur here. Australia therefore has very strict import requirements for many animal-based products.
Contact
Members seeking more information or requiring assistance with liaising with the department, please contact Devika Thakkar, AFGC Regulatory Advisor – Scientific and Technical.
Dr Duncan Craig
Director, Nutrition and Regulation
