ATX: Outbreak (ATX Series)

By Michael S. Finley

Cattle in five states began displaying vague central nervous system symptoms at essentially the same time. Diagnostic protocols were followed revealing inconclusive laboratory results. The USDA sent samples from the affected cattle to an international reference laboratory in England. They also detailed teams of veterinary experts to each premise to conduct comprehensive investigations. ATX Feeders in Hereford, Texas was one of the involved sites. Dr. Penny Adams, a USDA veterinary pathologist, is charged with investigating the ATX Hereford feedlot. Penny, a chic blond-haired thirty-something beauty, also holds a PhD in Molecular Biology. Randy Bennett, DVM is Director of ATX Feeders and son of Randall Bennett. Randy, is a ruggedly handsome thirty-something professional steer roper who regularly competes in rodeos. Randall, Chairman of ATX Holdings, owns a diversified self-made empire based out of Amarillo, Texas. Each of Randall's eight children, or their spouse, run a division of the holding company's businesses. Randy and Penny were attracted to one another as soon as they met. Their relationship grew as they worked together in hopes of finding the cause for this mysterious disease. As Penny and her team of veterinary experts began their investigation, cattle at two other ATX feedlots began displayed neurological symptoms. To allow their relationship to grow, Randy asked Randall for his help. The British reference lab, using their electron microscope, identified the agent. However, where it came from remained a mystery until Randy and Penny examined Randy's roping steers. With the help of others, it became clear this was an ingenious act of bioterrorism. As the USDA worked to contain the disease, indemnify affected cattle owners, and develop a method to destroy over 12 million diseased cattle; the Department of Homeland Security began a terrorism investigation. A sophisticated financial plot was unraveled whereby the terrorists would profit from the effects of the outbreak as well as devastate American agriculture. Obtaining enough evidence to prosecute was another matter.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1549986090
• ISBN13: 9781549986093
• Release Date: October 2017
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 539 Pages
• Weight: 1.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.4" x 6.0"