Texas Veterinarian Cracks Mystery of Bird Flu in Cows

Officials are working to understand how the virus spreads, the size of the outbreak, and quickly it could grow.
Texas Veterinarian Cracks Mystery of Bird Flu in Cows
This undated photo shows Texas veterinarian Dr. Barbara Petersen. Sunrise Veterinary Service via AP
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In early March, Texas veterinarian Dr. Barb Petersen began receiving calls from dairy owners with concerns over dying crows, pigeons, and other birds on their farms. Then, word came of barn cats suddenly dying, including half the cats on one farm.

Days later, the Amarillo vet started hearing about sick dairy cattle cows with unusual symptoms: high fevers, decreased appetite, and reduced milk production. Tests came back negative for typical illnesses.

Jana J. Pruet
Jana J. Pruet
Author
Jana J. Pruet is an award-winning investigative journalist. She covers news in Texas with a focus on politics, energy, and crime. She has reported for many media outlets over the years, including Reuters, The Dallas Morning News, and TheBlaze, among others. She has a journalism degree from Southern Methodist University. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]
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