A rumor started on March 14 claimed an unidentified Texas feedlot virus “sparked panic across southern cattle markets.” According to the article that started the rumor, “the Texas feedlot virus is tearing through Panhandle yards, crashing cattle futures and forcing strict USDA quarantine rules.” The article, originally posted on the website Agroinformacion News, is no longer live on the internet.
Multiple organizations within the Texas beef industry have rebutted this claim as false. The Texas Cattle Feeders Association posted this social media statement on March 17: “The false information being reported by a foreign country regarding a mysterious virus in cattle in Texas is completely inaccurate and untrue. USDA-APHIS and Texas Animal Health Commission have verified that the information being portrayed is false. Please regard the story and posts as fake news.”
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall released a statement March 17 on false animal health information being spread online. “NCBA is aware of online rumors that allege a new or unknown animal disease is circulating in a feedlot in the Texas Panhandle. These claims are false. Animal health officials from USDA, state officials in Texas, along with leaders at Texas Cattle Feeders Association, have confirmed there is no such disease present.
“Spreading unverified information like this is not only irresponsible, it is harmful to cattle producers, the beef supply chain and consumer confidence in a safe and wholesome product. Our industry depends on transparency, science-based animal health protocols and strong collaboration with state and federal animal health authorities.
“We encourage everyone – producers, media and the public – to rely on credible sources and verified information. NCBA and state affiliate partners will continue working closely with animal health officials to monitor any legitimate concerns and ensure the continued health of the U.S. cattle herd.”
