Dairy Cattle EatingWidespread livestock diseases are always a cause for concern. But what’s more concerning is when the cause and type of disease are unknown. That is the situation impacting dairy cattle in the Texas Panhandle. An unidentified illness has been tested and remains undiagnosed by veterinarians.

The Texas state veterinarian says symptoms include a sudden drop in milk production, with some cows producing thicker milk, reduced feed intake, a drop in rumination, tacky or loose manure, fever and the occasional secondary infection of pneumonia or mastitis. So far, the illness has not led to high rates of death.

Dairy farmers are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any symptoms in their animals immediately. Producers are also prompted to review and enhance their biosecurity precautions.

Read more on the mystery illness impacting Texas dairy cattle here.