Again and again cows have to die in agony. The culprit is mainly the waste that is carelessly thrown on the meadows. A farmer and a vet talk about it with the “Krone”.
Garbage as far as the eye can see: this is the result of our garbage collection trip with farmer Sepp Wellik on his meadows in Moosburg. After just a few steps we came across empty plastic bottles and beer bottles, carelessly discarded cans, food packaging. The decorative cap of a car wheel was also found in the grass.
Every year, farmers go on a cleaning trip in the spring. “After the winter we always find so much waste. It’s incredibly sad. You can’t collect everything that motorists and pedestrians throw away,” the dairy farmer moans. “People don’t even know what they’re doing with it.”
The consequences are fatal – not just for the environment in general, but especially for the cows, who keep swallowing the waste while grazing. Breeding director and veterinarian Johann Burgstaller knows how dangerous that can be. “It is not uncommon for a cow to die from the waste,” the 40-year-old complains. Only when the cows are already sick do you notice that there are foreign objects in their stomachs.
“The cow then shows a raised back, she produces less milk and eats less. Only then is the vet called in. Unfortunately, it is often too late by then,” explains Burgstaller.
A magnet is often used to find out if there are any metal parts in the animals’ bodies. “This bonds the metal parts, but unfortunately that doesn’t work with plastic or glass shards.”
Farmers and vets warn: “More awareness is needed! Before the rubbish is carelessly thrown away, think about what you actually do with it. creatures die!”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
