Dog faeces linked to four calf losses at Styrian farm

According to ORF, dog faeces carrying the parasite Neospora have caused severe losses at an organic cattle-breeding farm in Kraubath, in the Leoben district. Four pregnant cows have lost their calves, while one more calf is still at risk and another was born infected.

Heidrun Orfner, who runs the farm, said the first abortion occurred on July 1. Laboratory results were followed by further losses, leaving her unable to believe that half the herd could be affected.

Veterinarian Barbara Wolfger said she had never seen such a serious case since becoming a vet in 2008. Tests have been carried out on all the cattle, and animals that test positive must be removed because they could suffer repeated abortions in the coming years and pose a high risk.

The total damage is expected to approach 40,000 euros. The losses are a severe blow to the breeding farm, which has 33 cattle, but Orfner said the business would continue.

The farm has repeatedly appealed to dog owners to remove faeces if their dogs relieve themselves near a cattle pasture. Dog faeces can bring Neospora onto the pasture, which the farm described as the cows’ “salad bowl”.