Tests confirm bovine tuberculosis in four more cattle

Four more cattle have tested positive for bovine tuberculosis at two farms in Austria’s Bregenz district, ORF reported. Both farms were already under restrictions, and no additional farms have been affected.

At one farm, a cow first tested positive in a skin test during a sale inspection in late September. It was euthanised for diagnostic testing, and a PCR test confirmed the infection. Three more animals then reacted in skin tests and were also euthanised; all three tested positive by PCR.

Further skin tests were carried out on the farm’s animals kept on a shared pasture. Two reacted and were euthanised on Friday. One tested positive by PCR. The farm remains under restriction, so its cattle cannot be sold. Animals that came into contact with the affected cattle must also be checked.

The second farm has been under restriction for about four months. Three cattle reacted in skin tests during a follow-up inspection last week and were euthanised on Friday. All three tested positive by PCR, so restrictions remain in place for part of the herd. The restriction has been lifted for cows kept separately since early June after they tested negative in follow-up checks.