In the Bregenzerwald region of Vorarlberg, a large agricultural farm with over 100 cattle has been shut down due to a suspicion of bovine tuberculosis (TB). The suspicion arose after abnormalities were discovered during a slaughter in Germany. Some animals have already been "diagnostically culled" for further examination.
Authorities have now identified approximately 60 other farms that have had contact with the infected farm, meaning that in total more than 600 cattle may be at risk. The farms have been notified and the animals involved will be tested for TB. Currently, no additional farms have been closed.
To get the situation under control, the veterinary authorities, in consultation with the Ministry of Health, have decided on further culls. Besides the already tested animals, selected cattle from contact farms will also be tested and culled if necessary. These measures aim to break the chain of infection and prevent further spread.
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Chamber of Agriculture president Josef Moosbrugger emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, calling it an unprecedented challenge for the region. The traditional alpine pasture practice in the Bregenzerwald, where animals spend the summer on various alpine meadows, increases the risk of disease spread such as TB.
The economic impact for affected farmers is significant. Although compensation schemes exist from both the federal government and the state, they do not fully cover the value of the lost animals. The federal level offers fixed rates between 950 and 1,250 euros per animal, while the state reimburses up to 75% of the estimated value of an animal. Nevertheless, farmers still face financial losses.
Besides the direct measures against the current outbreak, preventive steps are also being considered. Reducing the population of wild deer, which are regarded as major carriers of TB, is one of the strategies. In recent years, the number of hunting permits for deer in the region has been significantly increased to minimize the risk of transmission to livestock.