NDSU Extension Veterinarian Dr. Gerald Stokka (left) and Sheriff’s Department Investigator Jason Falk (right) share information on a large-scale cattle death case in Stutsman County.

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A reward of $40,000 has been offered for information in a large-scale cattle death case reported in Stutsman County.

The Stutsman County Sheriff’s Department and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) have enlisted the public’s help to solve the case. More than 58 cows of 138 were found dead on July 29th in pasture leased for grazing on the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge.

Of the surviving cows, at least 15 have also aborted their calves, which were near full term and due in September.

Stutsman County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Jason Falk reports the cattle deaths may or may not be linked to two fires that were reported in Mid-April on the Brian Amundson ranch.

Following extensive veterinary diagnostic work and investigation, NDSU Extension Veterinarian Dr. Gerald Stokka says they’ve narrowed the cause down to “unnatural nitrate toxicity.”

Dr. Stokka says they’ve ruled out lightning, anthrax, blue-green algae, clostridial disease, lead poisoning, lack of water, and naturally occurring nitrate toxicity.

NDSA Chief Brand Inspector Blaine Northrop says they, with the help of other organizations, have formed the $40,000 reward for information to bring closure to the case as quickly as possible.

Brian Amundson of Jamestown says they’ve been part of the Jamestown community for four or five generations with their cow/calf feeding operation on the Bar-V Ranch.

Anyone with information that could be helpful is encouraged to call the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Department’s tip line at (701) 251-6232, NDSA Deputy Brand Inspector Fred Frederikson at (701) 290-3993 or Northrop at (701) 390-2975.

Listen to the full press conference below: