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In early February, farmers in Texas noticed the first signs. Some of their cows ate poorly and produced less milk. The milk differed from the usual product in color and consistency. Even though many animals recovered within two to three weeks, it was clear that something was wrong. There was talk of the “mysterious cow disease” in magazines and forums for animal owners. Veterinarians began testing livestock for everything possible. At the end of March, they found the H5N1 bird flu pathogen in its highly pathogenic, i.e. more seriously ill, variant in affected cows.