"ISU Alumni Veterinarians Crack Cattle Sickness Mystery in Ames, Texas"
Veterinarians Dr. Barb Petersen and Dr. Drew Magstadt, both graduates of Iowa State University, collaborated to solve a mysterious illness affecting dairy cattle in multiple herds across several states. After extensive testing, they discovered that the illness was caused by bird flu, a virus previously not known to infect cattle in the U.S. The virus has spread to 28 dairy cattle herds in eight states, posing a significant threat to the livestock industry. The ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory played a crucial role in identifying and confirming the virus, highlighting the importance of veterinary research and diagnostic capabilities in safeguarding animal health.