Texas tackles cattle TB entry, ID requirements

Texas livestock health officials, striving to protect the state's hardearned cattle tuberculosis-free status, have adopted new cattle entry, testing and movement regulations that became effective mid-October. Texas Animal Health Commission tightened regulations due to recent findings of cattle TB infection in two New Mexico dairies, a Colorado bucking bull herd and an Oklahoma beef herd.

Texas originally achieved cattle TB-free status in 2000, only to lose it in 2002 after two infected cattle herds were detected.

To regain that status and the ability to move and market cattle without restrictions, a rigorous TB testing program was initiated.

"Reclaiming TB-free status was hard work for Texas producers and veterinary practitioners who participated in the testing program, and for TAHC and U.S. Department of Agriculture staff in Texas," said Dr. Bob Hillman, TAHC executive director and Texas' state veterinarian.

"We must be able to find the disease quickly if it is re-introduced and trace those animals that may be the source of infection or be exposed to TB," he said.

New TAHC regulations include:

• lowering the TB test-eligible age from six to two months for dairy cattle entering Texas.

• forgoing TB testing on out-ofstate diary cattle delivered to an approved feedlot in Texas for finish feeding for slaughter only.

• identifying all Texas dairy cattle with an approved ID device prior to movement within the state.

• requiring TB tests for Mexicanorigin steers that are potential rodeo and/or roping stock.

"Cattle tuberculosis infection may be a silent infection," said Hillman. "For years, the infected animal can appear healthy, and only when it is tested or slaughtered is there evidence of infection. By then, the infected animal may have exposed many herd mates to this insidious disease.

"We must act proactively to prevent disease introduction and ensure the ability to identify sources of the disease in order to maintain Texas' well-deserved tuberculosisfree status."