BERLIN — A ban on the transport of animals has been implemented in the state surrounding Berlin as a precautionary measure, following the detection of foot-and-mouth disease in a herd of buffalo just outside the city. This incident marks Germany’s first outbreak in over 35 years.

On Friday, officials from Brandenburg state reported that a farmer discovered three dead water buffalo out of a herd of 14 in Hoenow, which is located near the borders of Berlin. The national animal health institute subsequently confirmed the presence of the virus in samples taken from one of the deceased animals, prompting the slaughter of the remainder of the herd. The source of the infection remains unknown.

Starting Saturday, a 72-hour prohibition on transporting various livestock, including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and other animals like llamas and camels, was put into effect in Brandenburg. In addition, both of Berlin’s zoos closed to the public as a safety measure. The management of the zoos released a statement emphasizing that while the virus poses no threat to human health, it can be transferred via clothing and other materials.

As a further precaution, approximately 200 pigs at a nearby farm in Ahrensfelde will also be slaughtered. Foot-and-mouth disease is an infectious viral ailment known to affect cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle and sheep. Although mortality rates tend to be low, the disease can lead to significant discomfort in animals, resulting in symptoms like fever, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, and the development of blisters.

The disease is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact or airborne particles, allowing it to rapidly infect entire herds. Humans can inadvertently facilitate its spread through contaminated farming equipment, shoes, clothing, and vehicle tires.

The last recorded outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany occurred in 1988, while Europe experienced its last major incident in 2011, according to reports from the country’s animal health institute.