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Feed exchange – important
Several thousand tons of contaminated feed were exchanged on the affected farms at great expense in the winter of 2014/2015. An evaluation of all feed lots before and after the exchange ensured a fair and dispute-free exchange. The results of the examination of the animals and their products showed that this systematic feed exchange made a significant contribution to easing the HCB burden in the following year 2015.
Reports, advice and precise tests
Both the use of the farm's own fertilizer and ensuring a clean harvest of the basic fodder were key consulting focuses for the agricultural businesses in the region. The aim was to harvest fodder that was as uncontaminated with HCB as possible. Grassland plants generally only absorb small amounts of HCB through the soil; the main source of contamination was surface contamination as a result of emissions or pollution. To inform farmers, several grassland field days and information events were held and advisory documents were provided for specialist magazines. HBLFA examined the HCB contamination of the feed with different fertilization throughout the entire vegetation period in 2015 in an exact experiment . All feed samples from this study and from the HCB monitoring in Görtschitztal showed HCB contents that were well below the limit values. The only exception to this were those feed samples that were taken in the immediate vicinity of the landfill; limit values ​​were also exceeded here in 2015. These defined areas therefore represent an increased risk in the near future and require special measures.

Investigations on farms
In 2015, three HCB-affected dairy cattle, three suckler cows and one sheep farm were scientifically monitored. The animals' feces, blood, meat and milk samples were examined regularly. The results showed that lactating animals excreted high amounts of HCB in their milk, especially at the beginning of lactation. Cows that were dry for a particularly long period of time and especially first-calvers excreted comparatively higher amounts of HCB at the beginning of lactation. Suckler cows gave less milk and excreted HCB to a lower extent and therefore remained contaminated longer than dairy cows. Exposed young animals were generally more contaminated with HCB than older animals. Due to the feed exchange, a significant decrease in HCB contamination in the products was found on all farms over the course of 2015. The HCB values ​​of animals and animal products are now more than a power of ten below the applicable legal limit values.