Five animal diseases spread simultaneously across Germany
Insurer Vereinigte Tierversicherung reported a record 96 million euros in claims for 2024, driven by a surge in major livestock disease outbreaks.
German agriculture is facing a challenging period as five distinct animal diseases are currently spreading across the country simultaneously. Vereinigte Tierversicherung (VTV), a subsidiary of the R+V group, reported that 2024 was the costliest year in its history, with total claims reaching 96 million euros, up from 73 million euros in 2023.
Bluetongue disease was the primary driver of these losses, accounting for 30 million euros in damages among cattle, sheep, and goats. Alongside this, outbreaks of African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and bovine herpesvirus have created an unprecedented cumulative impact. Agricultural expert Carsten Reimer noted that rising temperatures and global trade dynamics are increasingly facilitating the transmission of these pathogens.
Because state compensation is not available for all outbreaks, farmers bear significant financial risks. Furthermore, certain diseases trigger strict export bans, effectively cutting off essential markets for agricultural producers. Consequently, VTV highlights that private insurance coverage and preventative management are becoming vital for the survival of agricultural operations.