Vorarlberg requires cattle sale tests to curb tuberculosis

Vorarlberg is requiring tests before some cattle can be sold as it seeks to curb bovine tuberculosis, ORF reports. The first farm in the state was placed under restrictions this autumn after an animal in the Bregenz district tested positive.

Cattle that spent the summer on an alpine pasture in an area particularly affected by the disease face a four-week sales ban under a federal order covering Vorarlberg and Tyrol. They must remain on the farm, either in a barn or on home pasture, for four weeks and test negative before being sold.

Farms in risk areas may qualify for an exception if their cattle did not spend the summer on an alpine pasture there. In those cases, the official veterinarian will decide individually whether a sale test is needed, depending on whether the animals could have come into contact with red deer while at home, state councillor Christian Gantner said.

The tests are intended to limit the spread of the disease and protect buyers. Norbert Greber, the state veterinary officer, said a positive result in a sale examination at the currently restricted farm had already shown the tests could prevent an infected animal from being sold.

Authorities check compliance during annual official tuberculosis tests in winter. Farmers must report which cattle spent the summer on each alpine pasture. If an animal on the list is no longer on the farm, the farmer must provide proof of a test. Veterinarians must report suspected violations to the state veterinary department, and district authorities can issue penalties. Farmers pay for the sale tests, which cost 150 euros.

The Greens say the tests and increased culling of red deer are not enough and have called for independent oversight by the Health Ministry. Gantner, of the ÖVP, said oversight was already provided by a working group that includes representatives of the ministry, AGES, VetMed and BOKU.