Foot-and-mouth disease is a viral infection dangerous to cloven-hoofed animals and is classified as a notifiable animal disease.
Although FMD is harmless to humans, they can still transmit the virus, for example, via contaminated clothing. The virus can also be airborne over long distances.
The district of Lichtenberg, which includes Tierpark Berlin, falls within the officially declared restricted area established due to the first FMD case confirmed by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) in Germany since 1988. Authorities are required to implement precautionary measures to quickly contain the virus and resolve the outbreak as swiftly as possible.
Therefore, the most important precautionary measure, coordinated with the Lichtenberg district office, is the immediate closure of Tierpark Berlin to visitors, effective from January 10, 2025.
The team from the Department of Animal Health, Animal Welfare, and Research is in close contact with the relevant authorities. The protection of the Tierpark and its animals is of utmost priority. Zoo Berlin is not currently affected by extensive measures. However, initial preventive steps, including access control and hygiene regulations for staff, are being implemented.
