Unexplained Illness Plagues Cows in Texas and New Mexico
Source: The DairyNews
Dairy farmers in the Texas Panhandle and New Mexico are facing a perplexing challenge as a mysterious illness wreaks havoc on their herds. Despite efforts from veterinarians and state officials, the cause remains elusive, leaving farmers grappling with significant economic losses.
The illness, affecting nearly 10% of the cow population in affected herds, manifests with symptoms akin to the flu, primarily striking older cows. Reports suggest a decline in feed consumption and a substantial 10% to 20% reduction in milk production. Although concentrated mainly in Texas and New Mexico, there are unconfirmed reports from Kansas, indicating potential spread.
Dr. Fred Gingrich, Executive Director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), highlights the severity of the economic impact, emphasizing losses of up to 20% in milk production over 14 to 21 days. Despite this, there's a silver lining as no mortalities have been associated with the illness.
Pinpointing the cause proves challenging, with diagnostic tests yielding inconclusive results. Dr. Gingrich stresses the complexity of distinguishing primary symptoms from secondary ones, complicating the diagnostic process.
According to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), affected cows exhibit a sudden drop in milk production, accompanied by changes in milk consistency and feed intake. Notably, older cows in mid-lactation seem more vulnerable, while dry cows and heifers remain unaffected. Some herds have reported secondary issues such as pneumonia and mastitis.
Dr. Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges, TAHC executive director and Texas state veterinarian, underscores ongoing efforts to investigate potential causes, including infectious diseases and management practices. Collaboration with the USDA aims to monitor and evaluate reported cases, although movement restrictions on cattle haven't been deemed necessary thus far.
Dr. Fred Gingrich, Executive Director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), highlights the severity of the economic impact, emphasizing losses of up to 20% in milk production over 14 to 21 days. Despite this, there's a silver lining as no mortalities have been associated with the illness.
Pinpointing the cause proves challenging, with diagnostic tests yielding inconclusive results. Dr. Gingrich stresses the complexity of distinguishing primary symptoms from secondary ones, complicating the diagnostic process.
According to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), affected cows exhibit a sudden drop in milk production, accompanied by changes in milk consistency and feed intake. Notably, older cows in mid-lactation seem more vulnerable, while dry cows and heifers remain unaffected. Some herds have reported secondary issues such as pneumonia and mastitis.
Dr. Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges, TAHC executive director and Texas state veterinarian, underscores ongoing efforts to investigate potential causes, including infectious diseases and management practices. Collaboration with the USDA aims to monitor and evaluate reported cases, although movement restrictions on cattle haven't been deemed necessary thus far.
