The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has confirmed Cattle tuberculosis (TB) in two Texas Panhandle dairies located in Castro County, according to Bovine Veterinarian.
The infected herds are under quarantine and will remain so until the herds meet all requirements for quarantine release. Other dairy, calf-raising and dairy heifer-raising operations in Texas and other states suspected to be linked to the infected herds will be tested to determine the possible origin or potential spread of the disease.
Cattle TB is a chronic draining respiratory disease with symptoms including progressive weight loss, chronic cough and general loss of condition. Spread of the disease results when an infected animal expels infective droplets into the air which are inhaled or contaminate feed.
Dr. Dee Ellis, Texas state veterinarian said, The detection of these new herds simply indicates our strong surveillance system is effective. The TAHC is working closely with the dairies involved and the Texas dairy industry to ensure the disease is quickly contained, and the affected dairies can return to normal business practices as soon as possible.