Texas Cattle Virus Rumor: Debunking False Claims & Market Panic

False claims of a novel virus impacting cattle in the Texas Panhandle began circulating online March 14, prompting swift denials from state and national agricultural organizations. The initial report, published by Agroinformacion News, alleged the unidentified virus was “tearing through Panhandle yards, crashing cattle futures and forcing strict USDA quarantine rules,” but the article is no longer available online.

The Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) publicly refuted the claims on March 17, stating the information was “completely inaccurate and untrue.” According to the TCFA’s social media post, both the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) and the Texas Animal Health Commission had verified the reports were false. The TCFA urged the public to dismiss the story and related posts as “fake news.”

Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), released a statement on March 17 echoing the TCFA’s denial. “NCBA is aware of online rumors that allege a latest or unknown animal disease is circulating in a feedlot in the Texas Panhandle. These claims are false,” Woodall stated. He confirmed that animal health officials from the USDA, Texas state officials and TCFA leadership had all confirmed the absence of such a disease.

Woodall emphasized the potential harm caused by spreading unverified information, stating it was “not only irresponsible, We see harmful to cattle producers, the beef supply chain and consumer confidence in a safe and wholesome product.” He underscored the industry’s reliance on “transparency, science-based animal health protocols and strong collaboration with state and federal animal health authorities.”

The NCBA and its state affiliates pledged to continue working with animal health officials to monitor legitimate concerns and maintain the health of the U.S. Cattle herd, while urging producers, media, and the public to rely on credible and verified sources of information.

As of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the USDA-APHIS and the Texas Animal Health Commission have not issued further statements regarding the false claims, and the origin of the initial report remains unclear.