Health officials are still working to learn more about High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI) found in dairy cattle in several states, and on Tuesday, the markets reacted sharply to the news.
At first, the cases in Texas and Kansas left farmers and officials baffled, calling it a mystery illness. Some cows had to be culled, but others returned to normal, and it appears to only be affecting older dairy cows.
HPAI devastated the poultry industry over the last few years, with widespread outbreaks in commercial poultry flocks resulting in the death of millions of birds across the United States — specifically devastating egg-layer flocks. Previously, it was only detected in commercial and wild birds, however, scientists recently confirmed the first case affecting livestock, when it was discovered in a baby goat in Minnesota earlier this month.
Health officials say instances of HPAI in dairy cattle pose no threat to humans because of the pasteurization process that occurs before dairy products hit supermarket shelves.
Our friend, markets expert Tommy Grisafi was on the Cow Guy Close and said the outbreak could have a big impact on the markets if it gets any worse.
“What we’re worried about in commerce is that people in foreign countries will take a break on American beef,” Grisafi said, reacting to the news. “They’ll go elsewhere like New Zealand, Mexico, Australia... and if they have to go to England to get beef, that’s not good.”
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
January 18, 2026 07:00 AM
·
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey speaks with Texas’s Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez about USMCA renegotiation and its impact on U.S.–Mexico agriculture trade.
January 17, 2026 05:00 PM
·
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
January 16, 2026 01:48 PM
·
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.
January 16, 2026 01:28 PM
·
Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.
January 16, 2026 01:16 PM
·
National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses corn supply pressures, market fundamentals, policy considerations, and producer outlook for the year ahead.
January 16, 2026 01:13 PM
·
January 16, 2026 09:57 AM
·
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana discusses how the Affordable Homes Act will benefit rural communities, and her broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.
January 15, 2026 03:04 PM
·
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
January 15, 2026 01:36 PM
·
