Enforcement of in-state dairy cattle movement rule delayed through March 31 by TAHC

Livestock health officials have delayed enforcement through March 31, 2008, for a new in-state movement requirement for Texas dairy breed cattle.

The cattle tuberculosis regulation, adopted in September by commissioners for the Texas Animal Health Commission, requires Texas dairy cattle to be identified prior to movement within the state. Because they are managed in close confinement, dairy animals can be at a greater risk for disease exposure if an infected animal is in the herd.

"Texas regained cattle tuberculosis-free status in 2006, and we need every tool available to assist in tracing disease, if it is introduced into the state," said TAHC's Dr. Dee Ellis, assistant state veterinarian. "Months of work can be expended tracing the movement of cattle infected or exposed to TB. Even knowing that the animal originated in Texas can assist epidemiologists in the search for the origin and spread of disease."

Ellis noted that cattle TB has been detected recently in two New Mexico dairies, a beef herd in Oklahoma, and in a rodeo bull herd in Colorado.

Furthermore, eight infected herds have been found in Minnesota, and Michigan has had a longstanding battle against the disease in cattle and freeranging deer.

Ellis stressed that new sections of Texas' TB regulations applicable to cattle entering the state went into effect October 13.

"The delayed implementation of the in-state movement regulation for Texas dairy breed cattle will provide owners adequate time to select and acquire their identification tags," said Ellis. Through March 31, the TAHC will encourage voluntary compliance. Texas dairy cattle, regardless of age or sex, are to be identified prior to in-state movement, and owners should keep a record of the cattle they identify. Tags should remain on the animal for life.

Ellis said several types of identification are acceptable for Texas dairy breed cattle:

• USDA alphanumeric test tags (USDA silver ear tags)

• USDA alphanumeric brucellosis calfhood vaccination tags (USDA orange ear tags)

• Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) tags

• Official breed registry tattoos or firebrand

• USDA-approved Animal Identification Number (AIN) tags for official identification of individual animals. Three forms of official AIN tags, differentiated by the first three digits of the 15-digit number, are available:

• Manufacturer code "900" series RFID tags, available from many feed or supply stores

• USA prefix RFID tags

• Country code "840" series RFID tags. (Producers who use the "840" series must have their premises registered.)

• A commercially produced cattle-style clip, flap or button tag that identifies the dairy or owner and includes a unique animal number in the herd.

The TAHC also is considering approval for other types of identification.

Ellis said TAHC regulations already are in effect to reduce the risk for introducing cattle TB into the state. All dairy breed cattle must be identified prior to entering the state. Sexually intact dairy cattle older than two months of age must have a negative TB test within 60 days prior to entering Texas. These animals also must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection.

Sexually intact dairy cattle younger than two months of age entering the state must have a Texas entry permit and a certificate of veterinary inspection. The animals must go to a premises to be held until they are tested negative for TB at the age of two months.

Dairy cattle entering Texas are exempt from the TB test requirement only if they are transported directly to slaughter or to an approved feedlot, then slaughter. These animals must be identified, and have a Texas entry permit and a certificate of veterinary inspection.

Mexican-origin ("M"-branded) steers recognized as potential rodeo and/or roping stock, and entering Texas from other states must have had a negative TB test within the previous 12 months. These animals also must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection, issued within the previous 30 days.