No import of food from Egypt

Do not bring food from Egypt to Germany

27.03.2012

The foot-and-mouth disease is currently rampant in Egypt. The Federal Chamber of Veterinary Medicine therefore calls travelers not to bring any animal food from Egypt. The epidemic is considered particularly insidious because the virus also spreads on clothing, vehicles or food of animal origin such as milk, meat or raw sausages.

Foot-and-mouth disease very contagious
The Ministry of Agriculture in Cairo stresses that especially buffalo, cattle and small ruminants in the Nile delta are affected. In addition, the foot-and-mouth disease also occurs in villages further south along the Nile. The virus is particularly contagious, experts point out. Although it is safe for humans, the disease causes severe pain to cattle, pigs, sheep and wildlife. In the UK, six million animals were killed in dire circumstances following an outbreak of the disease in 2001, reports the Federal Chamber of Veterinary Medicine.

Due to the high risk of infection tourists should avoid to bring food of animal origin from Egypt. Likewise should be dispensed souvenirs such as horns and skins. In addition, Egypt holidaymakers should visit after their return no farms in Germany.

„All large and small farms and hobbyists in Germany must protect their livestock from infection with this virus in the best possible way. Therefore, especially tourists who work in agriculture or livestock should be careful and avoid contact with cattle, sheep or goats during their holiday in Egypt. Keepers of pets in Germany should pay more attention to the fact that only authorized persons go into their livestock and hygiene rules are observed, as is common practice. So the animals are best protected against infections“, explains Professor Theo Mantel, President of the Chamber of Veterinary Medicine. (Ag)

Image: Petra Dirscherl