Cattle Auction in Bergland Canceled Due to Foot-and-Mouth Disease Precautions

In light of recent cases of foot-and-mouth disease reported near the border of Lower Austria, the scheduled cattle auction set to take place on April 2nd at the Berglandhalle in the Melk district has been canceled. The Lower Austrian Genetics Cattle Breeding Association has announced that thorough investigations are currently being conducted within the extended quarantine zone.

This precautionary measure aims to safeguard local livestock and prevent potential outbreaks. While no cases have been confirmed in Lower Austria at this time, the decision to cancel the auction helps mitigate risks. If the auction were to proceed and subsequent positive cases emerged, it would render the animals unsellable, necessitating the cancellation of any purchases made. Furthermore, should a positive case arise in connection with the auction, all livestock from attending farms would be classified as contact farms, leading to severe economic repercussions for those involved.

For stakeholders and participants in the cattle breeding industry, the implications of such an outbreak could be significant, with the potential for widespread financial losses. The next scheduled auction is set to proceed as planned on May 7th, contingent on the health status of local livestock.