PARK CITY, Utah— Park City residents were shocked to discover more than a dozen dead cows along a popular trail. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food received a report from a rancher about 13 dead cows on Thursday, Nov. 16. These cows were part of a herd of 69 that had been moved into a pasture along the Rail Trail, behind Home Depot, just 30 days prior.
Field veterinarian Bob Erickson expressed devastation over the loss, stating that the cows were pregnant, healthy, and had been using the pasture without issues for over 50 years. Samples were taken to a state diagnostic lab for further investigation, including a necropsy to determine the cause of death. Results revealed hemorrhages in the trachea and inflamed lymph nodes in the larynx.
Erickson and his team ruled out foul play and lightning strikes as potential causes. They also negated the possibility of heavy metal poisoning from nearby mines, but were still awaiting water contamination test results. The team is investigating the potential toxic effects of certain plants that could have been consumed by the cows after a hard freeze.
The remaining cows in the herd were isolated and monitored, showing no signs of disease or health issues. The loss of these cows has been especially devastating for the family, as they were not only an economic asset, but were also emotionally valued. Erickson is still waiting for test results and field inspections to shed light on the mysterious deaths.
This tragic event is rare and unusual, with no clear explanation for the sudden loss of so many healthy cows. The department has kept the dead cows in the pasture for further investigation, and the rancher is ready to remove them once the department’s testing is complete. The community is eager for answers and closure in this heartbreaking mystery.