Livestock health officials have delayed enforcement of a new in-state movement requirement for Texas dairy cattle until March 31.
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 Dr. Dee Ellis, assistant state veterinarian for the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Dr. 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 long-standing battle against the disease in cattle and free-ranging deer. He stressed that new sections of Texas' TB regulations applicable to cattle entering the state went into effect Oct. 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 Dr. Ellis.
For more information contact the commission at (800) 550-8242.
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