The Netherlands has not detected the presence of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus, according to the preliminary results of laboratory tests conducted on 126 beef calf and six beef cattle businesses, as well as one sheep farm.

This announcement was made by Dutch Agriculture Minister Wiersma, who expressed relief at the findings but deemed it premature to lift the precautionary measures currently in place to prevent any potential spread of the virus.

Minister Wiersma had previously indicated the absence of any signs of FMD in the country, pending the outcomes of the tests now made available.

Last week, the virus, which can affect cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats, was reported near the German capital, Berlin.

FMD is known for its potentially lethal impact, requiring the culling of all animals on any affected premise.

In response to the outbreak in Germany, the Netherlands implemented preventive actions, including an export ban on calves.

Additionally, visits to veal calf companies were restricted, and stockpiles of vaccines were increased.

The concerns were heightened due to the importation of approximately 3,600 calves from the German state of Brandenburg, located near Berlin, into the Netherlands since December 1st.

Minister Wiersma reported that all tests conducted so far in the Netherlands have been negative for FMD.

Further test results are anticipated next week, upon which a decision will be made regarding the potential lifting of the FMD-related restrictions in the country.

In parallel, no new infections have been reported in Germany.