FAKE NEWS: NCBA Debunks Cattle Disease Rumors, Warns of Market Impact When False Reports Circulate

NCBA President Colin Woodall states that misinformation like this is damaging to cattle producers, the beef supply chain, and consumer confidence

Aberdeen Angus Cattle Feeding in a Feedlot at Sunset

Angus cattle feeding in a feedlot at sunset

JavierAndrés - stock.adobe.com

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued a warning about some fake news circulating regarding cattle herd health, which they say could cause chaos in the markets. Animal health officials at both the state and federal levels have confirmed that no disease is currently spreading.

Online rumors have begun circulating about a mysterious respiratory virus at a Texas feedlot.

NCBA stresses that these reports are false.

President Colin Woodall states that misinformation like this is damaging to cattle producers, the beef supply chain, and consumer confidence. The group urges everyone, from consumers to journalists, to rely on credible sources and verified information.

Read NCBA’s full statement on the rumors below:

“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (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.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)
Related Stories
Farmers face tighter barge capacity and higher freight costs during peak harvest.
Jeramy Stephens, with National Land Realty, says that despite today’s economic headwinds, farmland remains a resilient asset — and understanding local conditions is key to making sound decisions.
The U.S. pork industry is staying vigilant in keeping its supply safe from foreign animal diseases like African Swine Fever.
“American soybean farmers—who are already reeling from your sweeping tariffs—deserve better.”
FarmHER Laura Adams raises cattle in Georgia, overcoming family tragedy with the help of Farm Dog of the Year, Skippy.
The shutdown is yet another hurdle for producers navigating a challenging year marked by high input costs, volatile markets, and uncertain trade conditions.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The USDA is moving to close the farm trade gap through promotion, missions, and stronger export financing.
Midwest corn and soy producers are monitoring for disease and lower yields due to the ongoing drought over the last 30 days.
Farm work is hard work, and as the harvest season brings heavier workloads, experts are urging producers to pay closer attention to joint pain and ways to prevent it.
On this week’s episode of FarmHER + RanchHER, host Kirbe Schnoor travels to Wilson’s ranch to see how she blends tradition and technology to raise elite Red Angus cattle.
Fewer placements and historically low marketings point to tighter cattle supplies ahead, with Nebraska and Kansas gaining ground as Texas feedlots face supply pressure and the threat of New World Screwworm.
Industry-wide participation in SHIP enhances biosecurity and fosters global trust in U.S. pork, says swine health expert, Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.