Cattle Concerns in Texas Panhandle: What You Should Know

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Texas Animal Health Commission are currently investigating reported cases of apparent illness among Texas dairy cattle. The cause has not been determined. 

There are no reported cases outside the Texas region at this time. However, it is a testament to why it is crucial to practice biosecurity on your dairy operation or when visiting other dairy operations.

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) shared several updates on the situation:

Where is the problem occurring?

According to the Texas Animal Health Commission, occurrences have been confirmed in the Texas panhandle. The commission is conducting an epidemiological investigation to learn more about the cause and transmission of the condition. 

What are its characteristics?

According to reports from the health commission and local veterinarians, the most common clinical signs of the malady (significantly decreased rumination and feed consumption, and significantly reduced milk production) appear most often in mature dairy cattle in lactation. Only a small percentage of cows (around 10%) within a herd appear to be clinically affected. Some affected animals are returning to regular production while others seem unable to produce significant amounts of milk after recovery. In nearly all cases, the condition does not appear to be fatal.

What is being done?

The state animal health commission, USDA, and local veterinarians are working to identify the cause of the condition and assist affected dairy farms. The agencies are providing information to stakeholders as it becomes available. 

What does this mean for me as a dairy farmer?

As the dairy community awaits additional information and guidance from authorities, farmers are encouraged to:

• Review your biosecurity protocols, including industry biosecurity resources such as FARM Biosecurity.
• Be vigilant to observe for symptoms such as loss of animal appetite.
• Contact your veterinarian if you observe animal conditions outside of the ordinary. This is not currently happening in Pennsylvania, but it is a testament to why it is crucial to practice biosecurity on your dairy operation or when visiting other dairy operations.

Biosecurity: 10 Keys to Keep in Mind

Biosecurity Tips for Dairy Producers

A biosecurity crisis can happen to anyone. These actionable steps can help dairy producers execute biosecurity measures that protect their operations.

1. Create and implement a biosecurity plan. This is the first step to protecting your operation. There are templates available to help you draft a plan that is unique to your farm. Reach out to your local Extension office or Center for Excellence to access those templates.

2. Educate others on your biosecurity plan. Everyone on your team needs to be informed and understand what their role is when it comes to implementing biosecurity measures.

3. Monitor who comes onto your farm. Have a sign-in book in a designated spot to log visitors on  your farm, including sales and service professionals.

4. Don’t think it won’t happen to you or your farm. Disease spreads easily through the air, manure, vehicle tires, footwear and people. Taking simple, everyday precautions can make a difference if a biosecurity crisis would strike.

Biosecurity Tips for Service Professionals

If you are a sales/service professional visiting dairy operations, you play an important role in biosecurity across the dairy indusdtry. These steps can help you support farmers and protect yourself from being the spreader.

1. Remember to STOP. Stop cold calling or driving up the farm lane. Instead, reach out to the farmer first. Never walk into an animal barn unless invited, and be sure to follow the farm’s biosecurity measures. There are different protocols for different species of animals.

2. Monitor where you go. Keep a log of where you go and the farms you have visited.

3. Protect yourself from being the spreader. Change your footwear, and do not wear the same boots on multiple farms in the same day. Wear booties, use a tire wash, remove booties before going to another farm, and keep a trash bag in your vehicle to dispose of used booties and coveralls.

4. Use disinfectants that are appropriate for livestock operations on your footwear. Be aware that specific disinfectants work for specific diseases, but not all disinfectants work for all diseases.

5. Encourage farmers to create a designated spot for information and drop off. This designated spot could be a mailbox or desk outside the barn for you to utilize during drop-off visits.

6. Encourage farmers you work with to adopt biosecurity measures. Share resources to help them in doing so.

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