New TB regulations take effect Oct. 13

Texas livestock health offi- cials, striving to protect Texas' hard-earned cattle tuberculosis (TB)-free status, have adopted new cattle entry, testing and movement regulations that go into effect Saturday, Oct. 13.

The 13 commissioners for the Texas Animal Health Commission have tightened regulations, due to concerns about the recent findings of cattle TB infection in two New Mexico dairies, a Colorado bucking bull herd, and an Oklahoma beef herd.

Additionally, over the past two years, at least five infected cattle herds and infection in free-ranging deer have been identified in Minnesota. For several years, Michigan also has waged war against TB in both cattle and free-ranging deer.

Texas originally achieved cattle TB-free status in 2000, only to lose it in 2002, after two infected cattle herds were detected. To regain the state's status and ability to move and market cattle without restrictions, a rigorous TB testing program was initiated to detect any remaining infection and provide proof of sufficient disease surveillance.

In October 2006, Texas regained its TB-free status, after testing 342,937 cattle in the state's 818 dairies, and 128,489 head in 2,014 beef purebred and seedstock herds.

"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. "It's not enough to just find and eradicate TB."

He stressed that proactive measures are needed to prevent reintroducing this contagious, bacterial disease that can cause lesions on an animal's lungs, lymph nodes and other internal organs.

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

Dr. Hillman said the new TAHC regulations include:

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

• Forgoing TB testing on outof state dairy cattle delivered to an approved feedlot in Texas for finish feeding for slaughter only, unless the animals are from a TB-infected herd.

• Identifying all Texas dairy cattle- regardless of age- with an official or TAHC-approved identification device prior to movement within the state.

• Requiring TB tests for Mexican-origin (or "M"-branded) steers that are recognized as potential rodeo and/or roping stock, and entering Texas from other states. TB has not been eradicated in Mexico and there is significant potential for disease exposure.