APHIS's National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed positive test results from seven dairy herds in Texas, two in Kansas, and one each in Michigan, New Mexico, Idaho and Ohio.

Federal agencies have confirmed that the “mystery illness” that had been affecting cattle on dairies in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico has been diagnosed as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Sudden loss of appetite; decreased milk production; thicker, concentrated, colostrumlike milk; a drop in rumen motility; abnormal tacky or loose feces; and fever are clinical signs reported thus far of an unidentified illness affecting dairy cows in the Southwest. Cases of this contagious illness were first reported several weeks ago in Texas.

In addition to the high input costs and thin margins plaguing dairy producers across the nation, drought, other water issues, low milk prices and labor contribute to the caution expressed by dairy producers and industry leaders in the central and Great Plains region.

There are many different opinions regarding the U.S. cattle herd and what 2024 will hold for inventory levels. While some believe rapid regrowth is right around the corner and even underway, others are hesitant that regrowth of the herd from historic lows will be a slow and potentially delayed process.