Joshua High 4‑H member warns ranchers about grass tetany, PFAS and rabies

Keeley Clark, a member of Johnson County 4‑H and a Joshua High School student, addressed the commissioners about three threats to livestock: grass tetany (hypomagnesemia), environmental contaminants including PFAS in biosolids used as fertilizer, and rabies.

Clark, who identified herself as president of KC Livestock Consulting, described grass tetany as a metabolic disorder that can affect about 1 percent of cattle and often strikes pregnant or lactating cows grazing lush immature pastures. "Once blood magnesium levels go below average, any type of stress...can trigger tetany," she said, and recommended "free choice magnesium supplements" and pasture assessment for high‑risk grasses.

On environmental contaminants, Clark cited nonprofit and federal sources and said biosolids applied to fields can introduce per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into soil and water. She told the court that her home county saw fish kills and a rise in birth defects and chronic health concerns that local reporters connected to PFAS contamination; the court heard those as observations reported by Clark rather than as adjudicated findings.

Clark also discussed rabies in livestock, noting cases are rare but can be fatal and misdiagnosed; she referenced a Texas Department of State Health Services case in which a show heifer tested positive and urged ranchers to consider vaccinating animals that are handled frequently.

Commissioners praised Clark's presentation and several noted her involvement in FFA and livestock judging. The court asked no formal action; the session was a presentation from a youth extension member.