A mysterious disease has been working its way through the Texas Panhandle, puzzling the agriculture industry.
Today, that the mystery disease has been identified as a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) commonly known as Bird Flu.
To date, three dairies in Texas and one in Kansas have tested positive for HPAI.
Cattle impacted by HPAI exhibit flu-like symptoms including fever and thick and discolored milk accompanied by a sharp reduction in milk production averaging between 10-30 pounds per cow throughout the herd.
Economic impacts to facilities are ongoing as herds that are greatly impacted may lose up to 40% of their milk production for 7 to 10 days until symptoms subside.
USDA has confirmed that affected dairy cows do not appear to be transmitting the virus to other cattle within the same herd.
At present, HPAI has not been detected in beef cattle. However, producers are encouraged to implement enhanced biosecurity measures on their farms and ranches to help protect their herds.
Unlike affected poultry, it is not expected that the cattle will be depopulated.
