The aim of the priority action was a nationwide survey of the residue load with pharmaceuticals, pesticides and environmental contaminants in milk, eggs and honey from Austrian primary production. 759 samples from all over Austria were examined. Two milk samples were objected to:

• one cow's milk sample because the maximum level of the anti-inflammatory substance diclofenac was exceeded.
• one sheep's milk sample because the maximum level of trimethoprim (antibiotic) was exceeded.

According to the Animal Welfare Act, an animal owner is obliged to seek veterinary assistance when necessary and to arrange treatment for sick animals. The determination that a bacterial infection is present must be made by a veterinarian. In Austria, antibiotics for the treatment of animals are without exception prescription-only veterinary drugs, and their use is in principle reserved for the veterinarian. Within the framework of a supervisory relationship in the animal health service, the veterinarian can involve the animal owner in the follow-up treatment. After treatment, legal waiting periods must be observed after the last administration of a drug to an animal until the time of production of food from that animal. Residues must not exceed specified limits.