Mass cattle death investigated near El Reno

EL RENO, Okla. (AP) – An official for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture says the death of 60 to 70 cattle near El Reno appears to be accidental.

Deputy Commissioner Betty Thompson tells The Oklahoman  that veterinary staff drew blood from the cattle to determine the exact cause of the death. She says the department will release more information on the deaths once the test results return.

The commission began investigating the incident on Monday.

Thompson says the animals’ death doesn’t appear to be disease related.

She says the producer is working to dispose properly of the cattle.

Authorities declined to identify the cattle producer.