Blue tongue in Upper Austria: Companies in the Steyr-Land district closed

Blue tongue in Upper Austria: Companies in the Steyr-Land district closed

In Austria, alarming news became known that have now also reached Upper Austria. In the Steyr-Land district, two companies are affected by the blue-tongue disease after the serotypes BTV-3 and BTV-4 have already been found in other western and southern federal states. This viral disease concerns different types of ruminants, including cattle, sheep and goats, and is transmitted by small mosquitoes, so -called gnitzen.

It is particularly noteworthy that the virus was determined during a routine blood test within a monitoring program for blue-tongue disease. The Blue Zungs Virus serotype 4 (BTV-4) was identified in two cattle that are clinically healthy at both locations. This discovery shows how important regular health controls are for animals to recognize potential diseases at an early stage.

official measures

Due to the findings, the authorities immediately took measures. The two affected companies in the Steyr-Land district are now officially closed. This means that neither animals from the companies may be brought out of the companies over a period of two weeks, nor can new animals be brought into it. This precaution is intended to prevent the virus from spreading further, especially since no sick animals have been reported so far. However, if symptoms occur, the animals concerned must be treated immediately.

Blue-tongue disease is not only a health risk for the animals, but also has economic effects, since it belongs to the trade-related animal diseases in accordance with the right of EU animals. Owners of animals are of great responsibility to protect their holdings and should find out about preventive measures and vaccinations. A particularly urgent problem is the rapidly gripping serotype 3, which can cause severe clinical symptoms. Although vaccination against this serotype cannot completely prevent the infection, it helps to alleviate the symptoms.

For more information on the current situation in Europe and especially in Austria, a look at the website of the state of Upper Austria is recommended, which provides comprehensive resources to cope with this animal disease. While people are not at risk, the situation for ruminants and their owners remains tense and requires precise observation and timely measures.