A Swiss app called Castl launched the #KuhKussChallenge ('Cow Kiss Challenge') on Wednesday, encouraging users in Switzerland and other German-speaking countries to kiss cows - "with or without tongues" -to raise money for charity.
But Austrian Agriculture Minister Elisabeth Koestinger branded the challenge a "dangerous nuisance" in a statement on Thursday.
"Pastures and meadows are not petting zoos - actions like these could have serious consequences," she said, pointing out that cows could become aggressive when defending their calves.
Balancing the activities of tourists and cattle farmers is a sensitive topic in Austria's mountain regions, with both being key pillars of the region's economy.
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