Farmers' representatives warn

Excitement about plague in sheep and goats

Sheep and goats are susceptible to the plague of small ruminants. Imports are not recommended as the disease has been detected in Hungary.(Bild: zVg)

The plague of small ruminants (peste des petits ruminants, PPR), which is currently raging in Hungary and Slovenia, is currently causing concern among farmers. This is how our farmers are protecting their animals from the highly contagious disease ...

The plague was detected on a slaughter or fattening farm on the border with Austria. In addition, according to the Chamber of Agriculture, 200 animals were delivered that were slaughtered directly. "These carcasses came to Austria, but all tested negative and do not pose a risk," it says.

Wild ruminants, pigs and especially sheep and goats are affected by the highly contagious disease, which is usually transmitted via close animal contact and the air. Farmers' representatives appeal and therefore ask for special caution: "As the case occurred very close to the Austrian border, we advise against transporting animals from this area!"

How our farmers protect themselves
Nevertheless, there is no need to worry in our federal state. "Because we avoid imports as much as possible. We are so well positioned in terms of animal breeds that we can act nationally. Most shipments from this region go to Vienna," explains Eduard Penker, Managing Director of the Carinthian Sheep and Goat Breeders' Association.