United States: Intriguing advancements are underway as Texas, New Mexico, and the USDA embark on an investigation into a baffling disease affecting dairy cattle.
Dr. Brian Bohl, representing the Texas Animal Health Commission, revealed to Brownfield that reports of the disease surfaced around March 7th, though its impact on dairy herds dates back to early February. “It appears to spare dry cows and heifers as well as fresh ones, yet it affects mid-lactation cows, especially those of a more mature age,” Bohl remarked.
Bohl outlined that impacted dairy farms report between two and ten percent of their livestock being affected, with farmers utilizing state-of-the-art technology to monitor symptoms. “These stricken cows display a noticeable decline in rumen activity, and milkers on these farms observe a distinct change in milk consistency,” according to the reports.
He further explained that the milk thickens similar to colostrum, accompanied by other distinctive indicators. “Affected cows typically display reduced appetite, sometimes accompanied by a brief diarrheal episode characterized by a thick stool consistency. Fortunately, no deaths attributable to this condition have been documented,” he added.
While some cows have been culled, the majority recover. “Many of these cattle return to a normal milk consistency within ten to fourteen days, though full production recovery is not always achieved,” Bohl continued.
Reportedly primarily concentrated in the Texas panhandle, reported cases have also arisen in New Mexico, as confirmed by Dr. Samantha Uhrig, the State Veterinarian. “There seems to be no impact on beef cattle, nor on dry cattle or heifers,” she emphasized.
Uhrig clarified that similar to Texas, there are currently no restrictions on animal movement. “While we have abstained from imposing any limitations, we are vigilantly monitoring movements and scrutinizing past movements to assist in epidemiological investigations,” she further elaborated.
Several agencies are collaborating to pinpoint the root cause of the affliction. “Extensive testing is currently underway, with a substantial portion already completed, demonstrating commendable coordination at both the national and state levels to optimize sample collection and analysis,” as per Uhrig.
Bohl stressed the importance of sourcing both affected and unaffected cattle from affected farms for laboratory analysis to unravel the mystery of the illness.
Producers have been strongly urged to bolster on-farm biosecurity measures to mitigate the transmission of this infection and other potential diseases.