TITLE 4.AGRICULTURE

Part 2. TEXAS ANIMAL HEALTH COMMISSION

Chapter 41. FEVER TICKS

4 TAC §41.1, §41.2

The Texas Animal Health Commission proposes amendments to Chapter 41, concerning Fever Ticks. This amends §41.1 and §41.2. Section 41.1 provides definitions for terms contained in the sections as well as procedures for designation of areas and premises as well as tick eradication requirements. Section 41.2 establishes the tick quarantine zone county by county.

The commission is proposing to change the boundaries of the quarantine zone. The reason for the change is to establish new boundaries in order to have the line follow natural or man-made barriers which impede the fever tick from re-establishing its' presence outside the boundary line. Also, the boundary is being re-established in part to take in certain premises which have had problems with fever ticks in recent years as well as to exclude certain areas where the Fever Tick infestations have not been occurring.

Also, the agency proposes a number of adjustments to the rules which were presented to the Commission during the rule review process mandated by the 75th Texas Legislature. These adjustments are putting certain rules and definitions into a structured format which more clearly indicates the requirements. These adjustments are non-substantive and merely reorganize how the requirements are presented in the rules. Also, the Commission proposal clarifies instances when a premise is identified for control purposes.

Mrs. Angela Lucas, Director of Financial Services, Texas Animal Health Commission, has determined for the first five-year period the rules are in effect, there will be no additional fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Mrs. Lucas also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be clear and concise regulations. Also, the changes in the rule are for the purpose of re-establishing the quarantine zone to reflect the realities of where tick outbreaks have been occurring or to designate a boundary which follows natural or man-made barriers to prevent the ticks from spreading. This provides a more secure quarantine zone preventing the spread of the Texas Fever Tick to other parts of the state as well as the nation.

In accordance with Government Code, §2001.022, this agency has determined that the proposed rules will not impact local economies and, therefore, did not file a request for a local employment impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission.

The agency has determined that the proposed governmental action will not affect private real property. These proposed rules are an activity related to the handling of animals, including requirements concerning testing, movement, inspection, identification, reporting of disease, and treatment, in accordance with 4 TAC §59.7, and are, therefore, compliant with the Private Real Property Preservation Act in Government Code, Chapter 2007.

Comments regarding the proposed amendments may be submitted to Edith Smith, Texas Animal Health Commission, 2105 Kramer Lane, Austin, Texas 78758.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 167, §167.003, which provides for general powers and duties of the commission to eradicate fever ticks. Section 167.004 authorizes the commission by rule to define what animals can be classified as exposed to ticks. Section 167.006 authorizes the commission to designate for tick eradication any county or part of a county that the Commission believes contains ticks. Section 167.007 authorizes the Commission to conduct tick eradication in the free area.

No other statutes, articles or codes are affected by the amendments.

§41.1.Tick Eradication.

(a)

Definition of Terms. The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Adjacent premise--A premise that borders an exposed or infested premise, including premises separated by roads, double fences, or fordable streams. A premise that would normally be classified as adjacent may be exempted from adjacent premise requirements by a State or Federal epidemiologist if the premise is separated from the exposed or infested premise by double fencing, sufficient to prevent the spread of ticks, with one of the fences being game-proof.

(2)

Certificate--A document authorizing movement of livestock issued by an authorized representative of the commission after the livestock have been treated in a manner prescribed by the commission for the area and premise from which they originate.

(3)

Check premise--A premise located in a tick eradication quarantine area, temporary preventative quarantine area, or control purpose quarantine area that is not classified as an infested, exposed, or adjacent premise.

(4)

Control purpose quarantine area--An area designated by the commission for a systematic inspection of livestock and premises and control of the movement of livestock in order to investigate and control a suspected exposure of animals to ticks outside the tick eradication quarantine area. The boundaries of the area will be determined by evaluation of the barriers to the potential spread of ticks.

(5)

Dipping or treating--Submerging livestock in a vat, spraying livestock in an adequate facility, or other treatment of livestock as may be approved by the Texas Animal Health Commission. The treatment must be supervised by an authorized representative of the commission, and each animal must be paint marked so that it can be identified for at least 17 days.

(6)

Exposed livestock- Any of the following factors shall constitute livestock as being exposed: [ Livestock that have entered an infested or exposed premise and have not been dipped and removed from the infested or exposed premise within 14 days after entry; or livestock that have occupied an exposed premise and have not completed treatment required for movement from an exposed premise; or livestock that have entered Texas from Mexico without a certificate from the United States Department of Agriculture. ]

(A)

Livestock that have entered an infested or exposed premise and have not been dipped and removed from the infested or exposed premise within 14 days after entry.

(B)

Livestock that have occupied an exposed premise and have not completed treatment required for movement from an exposed premise.

(C)

Livestock that have entered Texas from Mexico without a certificate from the United States Department of Agriculture.

(7)

Exposed premise- A premise shall be considered exposed if systematic treatment has not been completed and if either of the following conditions apply: [ A premise on which ticks have been found on livestock that have been on the premise for less than 14 days; or a premise that has received exposed livestock, or equipment or material capable of carrying ticks from an infested or exposed premise, and upon which systematic treatment has not been completed. ]

(A)

Ticks have been found on livestock that have been on the premise for less than 14 days;

(B)

A premise that has received exposed livestock, or equipment or material capable of carrying ticks from an infested or exposed premise.

(8)

Free area--An area designated by the commission as being free of ticks or exposure to ticks. The extent of the area will be determined by the appropriate barriers to the potential spread of ticks.

(9)

Game proof fence - A fence that has a minimum height of eight feet, consisting of wire mesh of sufficiently small size to prevent or impede the movement of domestic or exotic wildlife over, under, or through the fenced area.

(10)

[ (9) ] Infested livestock- Livestock shall be considered infested if eradication treatment for movement from an infested premise has not been completed and if either of the following conditions apply: [ Livestock on which ticks have been found, or livestock which occupy a premise where ticks have been found on livestock that have been on the premise more than 14 days and upon which eradication treatment for movement from an infested premise has not been completed. ]

(A)

Ticks have been found on livestock.

(B)

Livestock which occupy a premise where ticks have been found on livestock that have been on the premise more than 14 days.

(11)

[ (10) ] Infested premise--A premise where ticks have been found on livestock that have been on the premise for more than 14 days, and systematic treatment has not been completed.

(12)

[ (11) ] Livestock--Any domestic animal or any free ranging animals found on a premise or captured wild animal that is capable of hosting or transporting ticks capable of carrying babesia (the causative agent of cattle tick fever), including, but not limited to, cattle, horses, mules, jacks, jennets, zebras, buffalo, giraffe, and deer.

(13)

[ (12) ] Permit--A document issued by an authorized representative of the commission allowing specified movement of livestock.

(14)

[ (13) ] Premise--An area which can be defined by boundaries of recognizable physical barriers that prevent livestock from crossing the boundaries under ordinary circumstances; or an area that livestock do not ordinarily inhabit that the commission defines by recognizable features.

(15)

[ (14) ] Premise inspection--A routine inspection by an authorized representative of the commission of premise boundaries and the livestock within for the purpose of documenting exposure of the premise.

(16)

[ (15) ] Premise under vacation--A premise from which all livestock have been removed as prescribed by the commission.

(17)

[ (16) ] Range inspection of livestock--An inspection of livestock to see the animal close enough to detect ticks on the animal.

(18)

[ (17) ] Scratch inspection of livestock--An inspection of livestock by an authorized representative of the commission in an approved facility that allows the inspector to touch and see all parts of the livestock.

(19)

[ (18) ] Temporary preventative quarantine area--An area designated by the commission for systematic inspection and treatment of livestock and premises, and control of movement of livestock, in order to detect and eradicate infestation and exposure from infested or exposed premises outside the tick eradication quarantine area. The extent of the area will be determined by evaluating the barriers to the potential spread of ticks.

(20)

[ (19) ] The commission--The Texas Animal Health Commission.

(21)

[ (20) ] Tick--Any tick capable of transmitting bovine Babesiasis (cattle tick fever or bovine piroplasmosis).

(22)

[ (21) ] Tick eradication quarantine area--An area designated by the commission for systematic inspection and treatment of livestock and premises, and control of movement of livestock, in order to detect and eradicate infestation from infested or exposed premises. The extent of the area will be determined by evaluating the barriers to the potential spread of ticks. This is the permanent quarantine area which is designated in Texas Animal Health Commission Proclamation Number 426, § 41.2 of this title (relating to Quarantine Line; Defining and Establishing Tick Eradication Areas), and in the United States Department of Agriculture Code of Federal Regulations Part 72.5, parallel to the Rio Grande River, commonly known as the buffer zone or systematic area.

(b)

Designation of an area.

(1)

Each area of the state will be classified by the commission as a free area, control purpose quarantine area, temporary preventative quarantine area, or tick eradication quarantine area. The commission will immediately redesignate an area when any change in circumstances that warrants reclassification. Each area will be determined by the Animal Health Commission according to the needs of inspection and treatment for known or suspected infestation of ticks.

(2)

Upon the designation of any area other than a free area, and upon the request of five livestock owners within that area, the commission will appoint an area advisory committee from recommendations made by livestock owners within the area. The committee will be kept informed of the general plan of inspection and treatment for the area, of the results of all inspections of livestock and premises, and of changes in boundaries.

(3)

The commission will notify all livestock owners within an area, except the free area, as to the type area in which their livestock are located. All changes in designation of an area will be in writing with the reason for change given.

(c)

Designation of a premise.

(1)

Each premise within a tick eradication quarantine area, temporary preventative quarantine area, or control purpose quarantine area will be classified by the commission as an infested, exposed, adjacent, or check premise. The commission will immediately redesignate a premise when a change in circumstances warrants reclassification. The boundaries of each premise will be determined according to inspection and treatment needs for known or suspected infestation of ticks. A premise which has received untreated livestock from a premise later found to be tick infested, and the length of such infestation is unknown, may be classified as control purpose instead of exposed if livestock on the premise are found to be tick free, the owner agrees in writing to present the animals for inspection when required by the Commission, and such classification does not present a threat of the spread of ticks to the surrounding premise(s).

(2)

The commission will notify all livestock owners within an area, except the free area, as to the type premise on which their livestock are located. All changes in designation of premises will be in writing with the reason for change given.

(d)

Movement of livestock.

(1)

When livestock are moved from a quarantined area, the person moving the livestock must have in his or her possession a copy of any certificate or permit required for movement.

(2)

A permit or certificate is void unless the livestock begin movement to the stated destination immediately upon issuance.

(3)

Movement must be direct to the destination stated on the permit or certificate. No livestock may be unloaded at any destination not shown on the permit or certificate.

(4)

Any livestock that become exposed during movement must be scratch inspected and dipped within 14 days of the exposure.

(5)

No certificate for movement will be issued unless the owner of the livestock has fully complied with these regulations.

(6)

When livestock are allowed to move after a required dip, the livestock must be loaded in the transporting conveyance wet, or held on a premise and for a period of time approved by an authorized representative of the commission.

(7)

Livestock may not move when a dip is required prior to movement, [ and ] if rain or exposure to water [ that ] results in the dip dripping to the ground [ occurs ] before the dip dries. In such event, the certificate for movement is void, and another dip is required before movement.

(e)

Restrictions on movement of livestock.

(1)

Movement from a free area. There are no restrictions on the movement of livestock from a designated free area.

(2)

Movement from a tick eradication quarantine area, temporary preventative quarantine area, or control purpose quarantined area. The owner or caretaker of livestock located in a tick eradication quarantine area, temporary preventative quarantine area, or control purpose quarantine area must not move, or allow the movement of, any livestock from the area without a permit or certificate for movement issued by an authorized representative of the commission. No person may accept a shipment of livestock from a tick eradication quarantine area, temporary preventative quarantine area, or control purpose quarantine area, unless the livestock are accompanied by an original permit or certificate for movement.

(A)

Movement from an infested premise or exposed premise. A certificate for movement will be issued after the livestock, if moving directly to slaughter by sealed conveyance, have had two consecutive dips not less than seven nor more than 14 days apart without scratch inspection unless required by subsection (k) of this section; or have had two dips not less than seven days nor more than 14 days apart, with each dip following a scratch inspection that does not reveal ticks; or have been dipped following a scratch inspection and not less than 12 days nor more than 14 days later dipped following a scratch inspection that does not reveal ticks.

(B)

Movement from an adjacent premise or check premise. Certificates for movement will be issued after the livestock have been found free from ticks by scratch inspection and then dipped; or have had three dips not less than seven nor more than 14 days apart without scratch inspection unless required under subsection (k) of this section or, if moving directly to slaughter by sealed conveyance, have had two dips not less than seven nor more than 14 days apart without scratch inspection unless required under subsection (k) of this section if moving directly to slaughter by sealed conveyance, [ have been dipped by two consecutive dips not less than seven nor more than 14 days apart without scratch inspection unless required under subsection (k) of this section. ]

(3)

Movement originating in other states. In addition to other requirements, livestock originating in a fever tick quarantined area must be accompanied by a certificate issued by an authorized representative of the commission showing them to be free of infestation and exposure and that they were dipped under supervision in an approved dipping solution immediately prior to shipment. The livestock must be transported in clean and disinfested [ disinfected ] trucks, railroad cars, or other vehicles.

(f)

Restrictions on movement of hides and carcasses.

(1)

Movement from a free area. There are no restrictions on the movement of hides and carcasses from a free area.

(2)

Movement from any area other than a free area. Hides and carcasses and parts thereof of any animal must be inspected and undergo any treatment deemed necessary. A permit for movement issued by a representative of the commission must accompany the shipment.

(g)

Dipping of livestock; general. All dipping prescribed in this section must be done under the supervision of a representative authorized by the commission. The commission will authorize for use in dipping only those dips that have been approved by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture and the Texas Animal Health Commission for use in official dipping to rid animals of the tick. The concentration of the dipping chemical used must be maintained in the percentage specified for official use by means of the approved vat management techniques established for the use of the agent; or, if applicable, by an officially approved vat side test or field test of the commission. The owner or caretaker of the livestock is responsible for presenting the livestock to the dipping vat, dipping the livestock, and removing the livestock, and will provide such labor as is necessary to perform all required functions.

(h)

Required Dipping of Livestock.

(1)

The owner or caretaker of livestock on infested or exposed premises in the tick eradication quarantine area, or infested or exposed premises in the temporary preventative quarantined area must present them to be scratch inspected and dipped with subsequent dipping every seven to 14 days until the livestock are moved from the premise in accordance with these regulations, except as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection.

(2)

The 14-day interval may be extended due to circumstances beyond the control of the owner upon approval by an authorized representative of the commission. In no event will the extension be more than three days. If the extension is granted, no certificate for movement will be issued after the 14th day, and the next dip must be on the original 14-day schedule.

(3)

All scratch inspection and dipping must be done under instructions issued by the commission. All requirements will be in written form directed to the owner or caretaker. An inspector for the Commission will deliver the instructions in person along with a copy of these regulations. All premise boundaries will be listed in the instructions.

(4)

The scratch inspection and first dip must be within 14 days from the date infestation or exposure is discovered unless otherwise approved by the commission.

(5)

The starting date for infested premises for Table I (Pasture Vacation Schedule, South of Highway 90) and Table II (Pasture Vacation Schedule, North of Highway 90), is the date of the first clean dipping of 100% of the livestock. The starting date for exposed premises for Table I and Table II is when 100% of the livestock on the premise have been dipped. Copies of Table I (Pasture Vacation Schedule, South of Highway 90) and Table II (Pasture Vacation Schedule, North of Highway 90) may be obtained from the Texas Animal Health Commission, P.O. Box 12966, Austin, Texas 78711.

(6)

A dip is not official unless 100% of the livestock within the premise affected are dipped on schedule.

(i)

Vacation of premise. Upon the removal of all livestock from a premise, the premise remains classified as before for the period shown on Table I (Pasture Vacation Schedule, South of Highway 90) or Table II (Pasture Vacation Schedule, North of Highway 90), whichever is applicable. The starting date is the date the last live tick is found, or when 100% of the livestock on the premise have been dipped and continued on an official dipping schedule until removed from the premise. Upon expiration of the time shown in Tables I (Pasture Vacation Schedule, South of Highway 90) or II (Pasture Vacation Schedule, North of Highway 90), whichever is applicable, or when determined by the commission that the premise has no infestation, the premise will be reclassified.

(j)

Required inspection of premise. An infested premise, exposed premise, or adjacent premise will be inspected every 14 days by an authorized representative of the commission. The 14-day interval may be extended due to circumstances that prevent the inspection. A check premise will be inspected when deemed necessary by an authorized representative of the commission.

(k)

Required scratch inspection of livestock. The owner or caretaker of livestock on any premise must present them to be scratch inspected at any time specified by notice from an authorized representative of the commission.

(l)

Handling and feeding of livestock.

(1)

All conveyances which have contained infested or exposed livestock must be cleaned, treated, and determined to be free of ticks before reloading. All of these functions must be conducted in the presence of an authorized representative of the commission.

(2)

All material removed from a conveyance or that has held infested or exposed livestock must be kept in an enclosure inaccessible to livestock, at a minimum distance of 15 feet. No material will be removed from the enclosure without approval in writing by the commission.

(3)

Hay, feed, or any other commodity capable of carrying ticks may not be moved from an infested or exposed premise without a permit.

(m)

Protest of designation of area or premise, dipping directions, or other orders. Any person that desires a hearing for the purpose of protesting the designation of an area or premise, or any dipping direction, or scratching notice, or any other order of the commission issued under the provisions of these regulations, may file an appeal pursuant to Chapter 32 of this title (relating to Hearing and Appeal Procedures).

(n)

Regulations on cattle and products imported from Mexico.

(1)

All cattle moved into Texas from Mexico shall be identified with an "M"-brand prior to moving to a destination in Texas. Metal eartags applied in Mexico must not be removed from the animals.

(2)

A copy of the certificate issued by an authorized inspector of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, for the movement of Mexico cattle into Texas must accompany such animals to their final destination in Texas, or so long as they are moving through Texas.

(3)

The owner or caretaker of livestock that have been in Mexico within six months of their entry into Texas may not move, or allow the movement of the livestock to any area of Texas other than a free area; nor may any person accept a shipment of such livestock into any area other than a free area.

(4)

No person, firm, corporation, or carrier may move or transport from Mexico into Texas any commodity capable of carrying ticks unless the commodity has been treated in accordance with requirements of the commission and the United States Department of Agriculture. A certificate of treatment issued by an authorized inspector must accompany such products to their final destination in Texas, or so long as they are moving through Texas.

(o)

Tick Program Research and Field Studies. The Executive Director may authorize different requirements for dipping, movement, and other handling of livestock under quarantine when done pursuant to a research program or field study.

§41.2.Quarantine Line; Defining and Establishing Tick Eradication Areas.

(a)

Under existing statutes, it is unlawful to move, or allow or permit to move, any livestock from the quarantined area except in a manner prescribed by the Texas Animal Health Commission. Movement must be on a written permit or certificate issued by an inspector of the commission or the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, Veterinary Services in accordance with law and the regulations of the commission.

(b)

Quarantined areas are as follows.

(1)

Val Verde County. Beginning at a point on the south bank of the Devils River where the Amistad Dam Compound east fence intersects the water line and following this east fence of the compound in a southerly direction to the southeast corner of the Amistad Dam Compound, approximately 1 3/4 miles; thence, following the meanderings of this compound fence in a southwesterly direction to where it intersects the east right-of-way fence of the old railroad, approximately 3 1/4 miles; thence, following the old railroad right-of-way fence in a southeasterly direction to its intersection with the right-of-way fence of the present Southern Pacific Railroad, approximately 3 1/8 miles; thence, following Southern Pacific Railroad in a southeasterly direction to a point directly north across a gravel road from the northeast corner of the Slover Field, approximately 5 3/4 miles; thence, south across this gravel road to the northeast corner of the Slover Field and following the meanderings of the east fence of the Slover Field in a southwesterly direction to where it intersects the northeast corner of the Woodson Field 1, approximately 1/8 mile; thence, following the meanderings of Woodson Field 1 east fence in a southwesterly direction to the southwest corner of the same, approximately 1/4 mile to the north fence of the Payne Pasture; thence, following the north fence of the Payne Pasture in a westerly direction to the southwest corner of the same, approximately 100 yards; thence, following the west fence of the Payne Pasture in a southeasterly direction across Cienegas Creek to its junction with Kite Road, approximately 100 yards; thence, following Kite Road in a southerly direction to where it intersects Garza Lane, approximately .3 mile; thence, following Garza Lane in a westerly direction to a corner, approximately 1/8 mile; thence, following Garza Lane in a southeasterly direction to where it intersects U.S. Highway 277 Spur, approximately 1 1/8 miles; thence, following U.S. Highway 277 Spur in a southeasterly direction to its intersection with Hudson Drive, approximately .5 mile; thence, following Hudson Drive in a southeasterly direction to where it joins Rio Grande Drive, formerly called Silo Field Road, approximately .6 mile; thence, following the west fence of Rio Grande Drive in a southeasterly direction to where it joins the east fence of the Rudy Mota Vega, approximately .4 mile; thence, following the east fence of the Rudy Mota Vega in a southeasterly direction to where it joins the San Felipe Creek, approximately .3 mile; thence, following San Felipe Creek in an easterly direction to where it joins the W.L. Moody Rancho Rio Grande north fence of the Leroyce Pasture, approximately 1.2 miles; thence, following the meanderings of the Leroyce Pasture north fence in an easterly direction to a corner where it intersects the west right-of-way fence of U.S. Highway 277 being the east fence of the Rancho Rio Grande, approximately 3.2 miles; thence, following the Rancho Rio Grande east fence (on the west side of U.S. Highway 277) in a southeasterly direction to where it intersects the Val Verde-Kinney County line approximately 9.2 miles.

(2)

Kinney County. Beginning at a point where the Rancho Rio Grande east fence intersects the Val Verde-Kinney County line; thence, following the meanderings of the Rancho Rio Grande east fence in a southeasterly direction to where it intersects the Kinney-Maverick County line, approximately 14 miles.

(3)

Maverick County. Beginning at a point where the Rancho Rio Grande east fence intersects the Kinney-Maverick County line; thence, following the Rancho Rio Grande east fence in a southeasterly direction to where it joins the southeast corner of the Rancho Rio Grande four section pasture, approximately 2.7 miles; thence following the south fence of the Rancho Rio Grande four section pasture in a westerly direction to a point where it intersects the Maverick County Water District main canal, approximately 1.5 miles; thence, following the Maverick County Water District main canal in a southeasterly direction to where it intersects the west right-of-way fence of U.S. Highway 277 approximately 2.5 miles; thence, following the west right-of-way fence of U.S. Highway 277, in a southerly direction to where it intersects Maverick County Water District Lateral #2, approximately .5 mile; thence, following the Maverick County Water District Lateral #2 in a southerly direction to where it intersects the north fence of the Calley property, approximately 5 1/4 miles; thence, east along the north fence of the Calley property to a corner, approximately 200 yards; thence following the east fence of the Calley property in a southerly direction to the northeast corner of the Hal Bowles Ranch, approximately 3/8 mile; thence, following the east fence of the Hal Bowles Ranch in a southeasterly direction to where it intersects the north fence of the Lehman Brothers Ranch, approximately 3/4 mile; thence, following the Lehman north fence in a southeasterly direction to a drainage canal, approximately 1/8 mile; thence following the drainage canal in a southerly direction to the north fence of the Las Vegas Ranch, approximately 7/8 mile; thence, following the meanderings of the Las Vegas Ranch fence in a southeasterly direction to the northeast corner of the same, approximately one mile; thence, following the meanderings of the east fence of the Las Vegas Ranch in a southerly direction to where it intersects the Alex Ritchie north fence, approximately 3.5 miles; thence along the north fence of the Alex Ritchie Farm in an easterly direction to where it intersects the Maverick County Water District main canal, approximately 3/8 mile; thence, following the meanderings of the Maverick County Water District main canal in a southerly direction to where it intersects the CPL Power Plant Road, approximately 3.5 miles; thence, following the CPL Power Plant Road in an easterly direction to where it intersects [ the west fence of the Beer Joint Trap, approximately 1 3/8 miles; thence, following the west fence of the Beer Joint Trap in a southerly direction to the southwest corner of the same, approximately 5/8 mile; thence, following the meanderings of the south fence of the Beer Joint Trap in an easterly direction to where it intersects ] the west right-of-way fence of U.S. Highway 277, approximately [ 3/4 ] 1-5/8 mile; thence, following U.S. Highway 277 in a southerly direction into the City of Eagle Pass and following the meanderings of U.S. Highway 277 in a southerly direction to its intersection with Church Street, approximately 8.5 miles; thence, following Church Street in a westerly direction to its intersection with Commercial Street, approximately .5 mile; thence, following Commercial Street in a southerly direction to its intersection with Garrison Street, approximately .7 mile; thence, following Garrison Street in an easterly direction to its intersection with Adams Street, approximately .2 mile; thence, following the meanderings of Adams Street in a southerly direction to where it becomes Industrial Park Road, approximately one mile; thence, following the meanderings of Industrial Park Road to where it intersects Brown Street, approximately 1.5 miles; thence, following Brown Street in an easterly direction to the intersection of Farm Road 1021, approximately .5 mile; thence, following Farm Road 1021 in a southeasterly direction to the intersection of Farm Road 1021 and Farm Road 2366; thence, following Farm Road 2366 in a southwesterly direction to an intersection of Farm Road 2366 and a paved county road, approximately 1.5 miles; [ thence, continuing along a paved county road in a southwesterly direction to a cattle guard at the eastmost corner of the Loma Linda Ranch double fence, approximately 1 1/4 miles; thence, following the same double fence in a westerly direction to a corner, approximately 5/8 mile; thence, following the same double fence in a northerly direction to a corner, approximately 3/4 mile; thence, following the same double fence in a westerly direction to the northwest corner of the Loma Linda Ranch approximately 7/8 mile; thence, following the meanderings of the same double fence in a southerly direction to the north fence of the W.D. Ranch, approximately 1.5 miles; thence, following the same double fence along the north property line of the W.D. Ranch in a westerly direction to the northwest corner of the same, approximately 3/8 mile; thence, following the same double fence along the meanderings of the Rio Grande River in a southeasterly direction to the northwest corner, of the El Indio Land Company Ranch, approximately one mile; ] thence continuing along a paved county road in a southwesterly direction to the southeast corner of Loma Linda Ranch fence and adjoining the eastmost corner of the W.D. Ranch game-proof fence approximately 1-3/4 miles; thence, following the W.D. Ranch game proof fence in a westerly direction to the north corner of the W.D. Ranch double fence approx. 1-9/10 miles; thence, following the same double fence along the meanderings of the Rio Grande River in a southeasterly direction to the Northwest corner of the El Indio Land Company Ranch, approximately 1 mile; thence, following the meanderings of the same double fence parallel to the Rio Grande River in a southeasterly direction to where it intersects the west fence of the Kiesling Rio Lado Farm, approximately four miles; thence, following the same double fence in a southeasterly direction to where it joins the west fence of the Stone Ranch Upper Pasture, approximately 1 1/4 miles; thence, following the meanderings of the Stone Ranch Upper Pasture W. double fence in a northerly direction to a corner, approximately .5 mile; thence, following the same double fence along the north property line of the Stone Ranch Upper Pasture in a northeasterly direction to where it intersects the Maverick County quarantine fence at the El Indio vat, approximately 3/4 mile; thence, following the meanderings of the Maverick County quarantine line fence in a southerly direction to the northwest corner of the Kiesling Lake Pasture, approximately 10 3/4 miles; thence, along the Kiesling Lake Pasture double fence in a southeasterly direction to where it intersects the north fence of the Dick Swartz Ranch Mansfield Pasture, approximately 1 3/4 mile; thence, following the meanderings of a double fence in a southeasterly direction paralleling the Rio Grande River to the south fence of the Swartz Ranch Mansfield Pasture, approximately five miles; thence, following the meanderings of the south fence of the Swartz Ranch Mansfield Pasture in a northeasterly direction to the Eagle Pass-Laredo River Road which will be called the Mines Road from this point south, approximately four miles; thence, following the Mines Road in a southeasterly direction to the Maverick-Webb County line, approximately 14 miles.

(4)

Webb County. Beginning at a point where the Maverick-Webb County line intersects the Mines Road and following this road in a southeasterly direction to [ where it intersects the north fence of the Las Minas Ranch Tasita Pasture approximately 43 1/2 miles; thence, following the north fence of the Las Minas Ranch Tasita Pasture in an easterly direction to the northeast corner of the same, approximately 1.8 miles; thence, following the east fence of the Tasita Pasture in a southerly direction to the southeast corner of the same, approximately 1.3 miles; thence, following the south fence of the Tasita Pasture in a westerly direction to where it intersects the Mines Road, approximately 2 1/10 miles; thence, following the Mines Road in a southeasterly direction to ] its intersection with Del Mar Boulevard and IH 35, approximately 63 [ 18.3 ] miles; thence, following IH 35 in a southerly direction to its intersection with Matamoros Street (U.S. Highway 83) approximately 4.1 miles; thence, following Matamoros Street in an easterly direction approximately one mile to where Matamoros Street becomes Guadalupe Street; thence, following Guadalupe Street in an easterly direction approximately 1 1/2 miles to where U.S. Highway 83 turns in a southerly direction; thence, following U.S. Highway 83 in a southerly direction, approximately 16.7 miles to where it intersects the Webb-Zapata County line.

(5)

Zapata County. Beginning at a point where U.S. Highway 83 intersects the Webb-Zapata County line and following U.S. Highway 83 in a southerly direction to [ where it intersects the Martinez Windmill Trap north fence, approximately .3 mile; thence, east along the north fence of the Martinez Windmill Trap to the northeast corner of same, approximately .3 mile; thence, following the east fence of the Martinez Windmill Trap in a southerly direction to the southeast corner of same, approximately .1 mile; thence, along the south fence of the Martinez Windmill Trap in a westerly direction to where it intersects U.S. Highway 83, approximately .3 mile; thence, following U.S. Highway 83 in a southerly direction to where it intersects the Juan Vidaurri heirs pasture north fence, approximately 2.5 miles; thence, following the Juan Vidaurri heirs pasture north fence in an easterly direction to the northeast corner of same, approximately 1.5 miles; thence, following the meanderings of the Juan Vidaurri heirs pasture east fence in a southerly direction to where it intersects the north fence of the Dye Farm, approximately 2.5 miles; thence, following the north fence of the Dye Farm in a westerly direction to where it intersects U.S. Highway 83, approximately 7/8 mile; thence, following U.S. Highway 83 in a southerly direction to where it intersects the Zapata city limits fence, approximately 25 miles; thence, along the Zapata city limits fence in a westerly direction to a corner, approximately 1/16 mile; thence, following the meanderings of the Zapata city limits fence in a southeasterly direction to the southeast corner of the Eddie Bravo Trap, approximately 2.5 miles; thence, following the south fence of the Eddie Bravo Trap in a westerly direction to its intersection with the water line on Falcon Lake, approximately three-tenths of a mile; thence, following the meanderings of the water line of Falcon Lake in a southeasterly direction to its intersection with U.S. Highway 83, approximately 1.2 miles; thence, following U.S. Highway 83 in a southerly direction to ] where it intersects the Zapata-Starr County line, approximately 56 [ 23 1/8 ] miles.

(6)

Starr County. Beginning at a point where U.S. Highway 83 intersects the Zapata-Starr County line and following a fence along the Zapata-Starr County line in a southwesterly direction to where it intersects the east fence of the Falcon State Park, approximately 3 3/4 miles; thence, following the east fence of the Falcon State Park in a southeasterly direction to a corner, approximately one mile; thence, following the same fence in an easterly direction to a corner, approximately 100 yards; thence, following the same fence in a southerly direction to a corner, approximately 100 yards; thence, following the same fence in an easterly direction to a cattle guard at the entrance of Falcon State Park at Old U.S. Highway 83, approximately .4 mile; thence, across Park Road 46 at the entrance to Falcon State Park on Old U.S. Highway 83 and following the park enclosure fence in a southerly direction to a corner, approximately 100 yards; thence, following Falcon State Park fence in a westerly direction to a corner, approximately .4 mile; thence, following the same fence in a southerly direction to where it intersects the north fence of the IBWC compound, approximately .5 mile; thence, following the IBWC compound north fence in an easterly direction to its intersection with Old U.S. Highway 83, approximately .4 mile; thence, following Old U.S. Highway 83, also known as FM Road 2098, south and southeast to its junction with the present U.S. Highway 83, approximately 4 1/4 miles; thence, following U.S. Highway 83 in a southeasterly direction to the south fence of the M. Ramirez Pasture at the north city limits of Roma, approximately 9.5 miles; thence, following the south fence of the M. Ramirez Pasture in a northeasterly direction to where it intersects the west fence of the G. Madrigal Ranch, approximately .4 mile; thence, following the meanderings of the west fence of the G. Madrigal Ranch in a southeasterly direction, around the east side of the R. Pena addition to the City of Roma to a dirt road, approximately .9 mile; thence, following the same dirt road in a southerly direction to where it intersects U.S. Highway 83 at the Roma Graveyard, approximately .3 mile; thence, following the north side of U.S. Highway 83 in an easterly direction through Rio Grande City to its intersection with Loop 83, approximately 18 miles; thence, following the north side of Loop 83 in an easterly direction to its intersection with the MP Railroad right-of-way, approximately 3.5 miles; thence, following the north side of MP Railroad in an easterly direction to the Starr-Hidalgo County Line, approximately 13 miles.

(7)

Hidalgo County. Beginning at a point where the MP Railroad right-of-way intersects the Starr-Hidalgo County line and following the north side of the MP Railroad right-of-way in an easterly direction to where it intersects Old Military Road approximately three-fourths of a mile; thence, following Old Military Road in an easterly direction to where it intersects the IBWC Levee, approximately eight miles; thence, following the IBWC Levee in a southeasterly direction to where it intersects the Old Military Road, approximately 8.5 miles; thence, following the Old Military Road in an easterly direction to where it joins FM Road Number 1016 at Madero, approximately 1 3/4 miles; thence, following FM Road Number 1016 in a southeasterly direction to where it joins the Old Military Road, approximately one mile; thence, following the Old Military Road in a southeasterly direction to the North Granjeno Road, approximately 1 3/4 mile; thence, following the North Granjeno Road in an easterly direction to where it intersects Shary Road, approximately 5/8 mile; thence, south on Shary Road to where it intersects the IBWC Levee, approximately 50 yards; thence, following the meanderings of the IBWC in an easterly direction to where it intersects FM Road 1926, approximately three miles; thence, following FM 1926 in a southerly direction to where it intersects U.S. Highway 281 Spur, approximately 27 miles; thence, following U.S. Highway 281 Spur in an easterly direction to where it becomes U.S. Highway 281, approximately 4.2 miles; thence, following U.S. Highway 281, in an easterly direction to where it intersects the Hidalgo-Cameron County line, approximately 22 miles.

(8)

Cameron County. Beginning at a point where the Hidalgo-Cameron County line intersects U.S. Highway 281, following U.S. Highway 281 in an easterly direction to where it intersects [ the Willacy County canal, approximately 200 yards; thence, following the Willacy County canal in a northerly direction to the CPL Company double pole power line, approximately .5 mile; thence, following the CPL Company double pole power line in an easterly direction to where it intersects FM Road Number 1479, approximately 7 1/8 miles; thence, south on FM Road Number 1479 to where it intersects a county road, approximately 50 yards; thence, following said county road in a southeasterly direction to where it intersects Ohio Station Road, approximately 1 7/8 miles; thence, southwest on Ohio Station Road to where it intersects the Cameron County Water District drain ditch, approximately 3/4 mile; thence, following the Cameron County Water District drain ditch around the San Benito Water District Reservoir in a northeasterly direction to the northeast corner of the San Benito Water District Reservoir, approximately 2.5 miles; thence, continuing along the Cameron County Water District drain ditch in a northeasterly direction to where it joins the Resaca Rancho Viejo, approximately 5 1/4 miles; thence, south and east along the meanderings of the Cameron County Water District drain ditch to where it again joins the Resaca Rancho Viejo, approximately 3.2 miles; thence, following the meanderings of the Resaca Rancho Viejo in an easterly direction to where it intersects FM Road 1421, approximately two miles; thence, following FM Road Number 1421 in a southerly direction to where it intersects FM Road Number 1732, approximately 3/8 mile; thence, following FM Road Number 1732 in an easterly direction to where it intersects Carmen Avenue, approximately 1 3/4 miles; thence, following Carmen Avenue in a southerly direction to where it intersects the south loop of the Resaca de la Guerra, approximately 3.5 miles; thence, following the meanderings of the Resaca de la Guerra in an easterly direction to where it intersects the MP Railroad, approximately seven miles; thence, following the MP Railroad in a southerly direction to where it intersects ] Boca Chica Boulevard, approximately 26.2 [ 1.5 ] miles; thence, following Boca Chica Boulevard in an easterly direction to where it becomes Boca Chica Road and continuing in the same direction on Boca Chica Road to where it intersects a drain ditch, approximately 9.5 miles; thence, following this drain ditch in a northerly direction to where it intersects the Brownsville Ship Channel, approximately three miles; thence, following the Brownsville Ship Channel in a northeasterly direction to where it enters the Gulf of Mexico, a distance of approximately 17.5 miles.

(c)

All of the area lying south and west of the boundary lines set forth in this section are designated as the systematic tick eradication area.

(d)

All of the area lying north and east of the boundary lines set forth in this section are designated as the free area; provided, however, that individual quarantines for tick eradication heretofore or hereafter established in this free area are not affected by this designation.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 3, 2000.

TRD-200002385

Gene Snelson

General Counsel

Texas Animal Health Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 14, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 719-0714


Chapter 43. TUBERCULOSIS

The Texas Animal Health Commission (commission) proposes amendments to Chapter 43, Subchapters A and B, concerning the Eradication of Tuberculosis. This proposal amends Subchapter A, §43.2, which provides interstate movement requirements for cattle. The proposal also amends Subchapter B, §43.12 which concerns entry requirements for goats into Texas.

The amendments are proposed to address the tuberculosis conditions that have been verified in the state of Michigan. Currently, the commission has specific entry requirements for cattle and goats coming from a specific quarantine area in Michigan, as designated in the current rules. However, tuberculosis has been discovered in animals outside of the quarantine zone and the commission has determined that it is appropriate to establish a special entry requirement for cattle and goats coming from all other areas in Michigan. The requirement will reduce the risk of allowing a potentially infected animal from moving from Michigan to Texas.

Angela Lucas, Director of Financial Services, Texas Animal Health Commission, has determined for the first five-year period the rules are in effect, there will be no additional fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules. The agency currently administers the tuberculosis program which includes the entry requirements for animals coming into Texas. The proposed changes will not create any additional administrative costs to the agency.

Mrs. Lucas also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be clear and concise regulations. Also, the rules are being proposed in order to protect Texas livestock from potentially being exposed to tuberculosis from Michigan.

In accordance with Government Code, §2001.022, this agency has determined that the proposed rule will not impact local economies and, therefore, did not file a request for a local employment impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission.

The agency has determined that the proposed governmental action will not affect private real property. These proposed rules are an activity related to the handling of animals, including requirements concerning testing, movement, inspection, identification, reporting of disease, and treatment, in accordance with 4 TAC §59.7, and are, therefore, compliant with the Private Real Property Preservation Act in Government Code, Chapter 2007.

Comments regarding the proposed amendments may be submitted to Edith Smith, Texas Animal Health Commission, 2105 Kramer Lane, Austin, Texas 78758.

Subchapter A. CATTLE

4 TAC §43.2

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 161, §161.041 (a) and (b), and §161.046 which authorizes the Commission to promulgate rules in accordance with the Texas Agriculture Code. Also, §161.054 authorizes the commission to regulate by rule the movement of animals. This is further supported by §161.081 which authorizes the commission to regulate the entry of such livestock into Texas from another state.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment.

§43.2.Interstate Movement Requirements.

(a)

All dairy and registered beef breeding cattle that are parturient or postparturient or 18 months of age or older shall be tested negative for tuberculosis within six months prior to entry with results of this test recorded on the certificate of veterinary inspection.

(b)

All dairy and registered beef breeding cattle originating from an accredited tuberculosis free area or herd are exempt from testing requirements in subsection (a) of this section provided the herd number is stated on the certificate of veterinary inspection. All dairy and registered beef breeding cattle moving directly from a farm-of-origin to a USDA-approved market in Texas are exempt from testing requirements provided the animals are held in quarantine pens at the market to be sold to slaughter or quarantined feedlot.

(c)

All sexually intact cattle, from any foreign country or part thereof with no recognized comparable Tuberculosis status:

(1)

To be held for purposes other than for immediate slaughter or feeding for slaughter in a quarantined feedlot or designated pen, must be tested at the port of entry into Texas under the supervision of the port veterinarian, and shall be under quarantine on the first premise of destination in Texas pending a negative tuberculosis test no earlier than 120 days and no later than 180 days after arrival. The test will be performed at the owner's expense.

(2)

When destined for feeding for slaughter in a quarantined feedlot or designated pen, must be tested at the port-of-entry into Texas under the supervision of the port veterinarian; moved directly to the quarantined feedlot or designated pen only in sealed trucks; accompanied with a VS 1-27 permit issued by TAHC or USDA personnel; and "S" branded prior to or upon arrival at the feedlot.

(d)

Steers and spayed heifers from Mexico may enter as follows:

(1)

From states that have been determined by the Commission, acting on the recommendation of the Binational Committee, to have fully implemented the Eradication Phase of the Mexican Tuberculosis Eradication Program (Stage II States): steers and spayed heifers must be tested negative for tuberculosis in accordance with the Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) within 60 days prior to entry into the United States.

(2)

From states that have been determined by the Commission, acting on the recommendation of the Binational Committee, to have fully implemented the Control/Preparatory Phase of the Mexican Tuberculosis Eradication Program (Stage I States): steers and spayed heifers must be tested negative for tuberculosis prior to movement into a Stage II State. Upon entry into the Stage II State, the animals must be quarantined and have two additional negative tuberculosis tests. The first test in the Stage II State must be conducted at least 60 days after the test in the Stage I State. The second test in the Stage II State must be conducted at least 60 days after the first test in the Stage II State, but not more than 60 days before moving to the United States border.

(3)

From states that have been determined by the Commission, acting on the recommendation of the Binational Committee, to have achieved Accredited Free status (Accredited Free States): steers and spayed heifers may move directly into the state without testing or further restrictions provided they are moved as a single group, and not commingled with other cattle prior to arriving at the border.

(4)

From states that are not Stage II, Stage I, or Accredited Free (Stage 0 States): Steers and spayed heifers must be tested negative for tuberculosis prior to movement into a Stage II State. Upon entry into a Stage II State, the animals must be quarantined and have two additional negative tuberculosis tests. The first test while in the Stage II State must be conducted at least 60 days after the test in the Stage 0 State. The second test, while in the Stage II State, must be conducted at least 90 days after the first test in the Stage II State, but no more than 60 days before moving to the United States border.

(5)

From Accredited Tuberculosis Free herds from Stage I or Stage 0 States: steers and spayed heifers that are moved directly from the herd of origin across the border as a single group and not commingled with other cattle prior to arriving at the border may enter as follows:

(A)

Steers and spayed heifers originating from a Stage I State may move into a Stage II State without a tuberculosis test and enter Texas after meeting the requirements set out in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(B)

Steers and spayed heifers originating from Stage 0 States may move into a Stage II State without a tuberculosis test and enter Texas after meeting the requirements set out in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(6)

All steers and spayed heifers arriving at ports for export from Mexico into the U.S. must be accompanied by a "Certificate of Origin" specifying the State in Mexico from which the consignment originated. Additionally, tuberculosis tests required by the State of destination in the U.S. must be listed on the certificate or accompany the certificate.

(e)

In addition to the entry requirements set out in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, rodeo stock from Mexico shall be tested for tuberculosis by a U.S. accredited veterinarian or under the supervision of a USDA/APHIS port veterinarian within 12 months prior to their utilization as rodeo or roping stock, and retested for tuberculosis every 12 months thereafter.

(f)

Regardless of reproductive status, test history, or Mexican State of origin, Holstein and Holstein cross cattle are prohibited from entering Texas.

(g)

All other cattle from foreign countries, foreign states, or areas within foreign countries defined by the Commission, with comparable tuberculosis status would enter by meeting the requirements for a state with similar status as stated in subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(h)

"M"-branding requirements are set out in §41.1 of this title (relating to Tick Eradication).

(i)

Special entry requirements for cattle and bison originating from the TB quarantined area in Michigan. The quarantined area defined by the Michigan Department of Agriculture, effective January 1, 1999, includes all premises located in an area bordered by 1-75 to the west, M-55 to the south, and Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac to the east and north. The quarantined area includes all of the Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Presque Isle counties, and portions of Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Ogemaw, Otsego, and Roscommon counties.

(1)

All cattle and bison shall originate from an accredited herd.

(2)

In addition, all animals 6 months of age and older shall be tested negative for tuberculosis within 60 days prior to entry with results of this test recorded on the certificate of veterinary inspection.

(j)

Special entry requirements for cattle and bison originating from all other areas in Michigan, as provided in subsection (i) of this section. All sexually intact cattle and bison six months of age and older shall:

(1)

originate from an accredited herd; or

(2)

be tested negative for tuberculosis within 60 days prior to entry.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 3, 2000.

TRD-200002386

Gene Snelson

General Counsel

Texas Animal Health Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 14, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 719-0714


Subchapter B. GOATS

4 TAC §43.12

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 161, §161.041 (a) and (b), and §161.046 which authorizes the Commission to promulgate rules in accordance with the Texas Agriculture Code. Also, §161.054 authorizes the commission to regulate by rule the movement of animals. This is further supported by §161.081 which authorizes the commission to regulate the entry of such livestock into Texas from another state.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment.

§43.12.Requirements for Entry Into Texas.

(a)

The following listed in this section are special entry requirements for goats originating from the TB quarantined area in Michigan. The quarantined area defined by the Michigan Department of Agriculture, effective January 1, 1999, includes all premises located in an area bordered by 1-75 to the west, M-55 to the south, and Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac to the east and north. The quarantined area includes all of the Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Presque Isle counties, and portions of Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Ogemaw, Otsego, and Roscommon counties.

(1)

All goats shall originate from an accredited herd.

(2)

In addition, all animals 6 months of age and older shall be tested negative for tuberculosis within 60 days prior to entry with results of this test recorded on the certificate of veterinary inspection.

(b)

Special entry requirements for goats originating from all other areas in Michigan, as provided in subsection (a) of this section. All sexually intact goats six months of age and older shall:

(1)

originate from an accredited herd; or

(2)

be tested negative for tuberculosis within 60 days prior to entry.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 3, 2000.

TRD-200002387

Gene Snelson

General Counsel

Texas Animal Health Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 14, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 719-0714


Chapter 49. EQUINE

4 TAC §49.1, §49.3

The Texas Animal Health Commission (commission) proposes amendments to Chapter 49 concerning Equine. Section 49.1 provides for Identification and Handling of Infected Equine with Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). Section 49.3 establishes dealer recordkeeping requirements. The proposed changes are made to support HB 1732 from the 77th Texas Legislative Session which requires an EIA test for a change of ownership. The legislation provides an exemption for equine sold for slaughter. The commission recently promulgated regulations supporting this legislation. To insure that equine sold through a market with an unknown EIA status are not diverted from slaughter, the commission is proposing that a VS-127 permit be issued on each animal allowing easier verification of arrival at slaughter. This requirement is similar to what is already found in the rules for equine known to be exposed to EIA. The commission is amending current dealer record- keeping requirements to insure that equine purchased with an unknown EIA status can be traced if they are determined to be positive at slaughter.

Mrs. Angela Lucas, Director of Financial Services, Texas Animal Health Commission, has determined for the first five-year period the rules are in effect, there will be no added fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules. Because the agency already has requirements in place regarding intrastate movement of exposed equine utilizing a VS-1-27 permit, the proposed changes will not add an additional burden in administering the rule.

Mrs. Lucas, also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be clear and concise regulations intended to protect equine in Texas from being exposed to EIA.

In accordance with Government Code, §2001.022, this agency has determined that the proposed rules will not impact local economies and, therefore, did not file a request for a local employment impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission.

The agency has determined that this governmental action will not affect private real property. These proposed rules are an activity related to the handling of animals, including requirements concerning testing, movement, inspection, identification, reporting of disease, and treatment, in accordance with 4 TAC §59.7, and are, therefore, compliant with the Private Real Property Preservation Act as provided in Government Code, Chapter 2007.

Comments regarding the proposed amendments may be submitted to Edith Smith, Texas Animal Health Commission, 2105 Kramer Lane, Austin, Texas 78758.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 161, §161.041 (a) and (b), and §161.046 which authorize the Commission to promulgate rules in accordance with the Texas Agriculture Code. Also, the Commission relies upon §161.049 which provides for dealer record keeping requirements. HB 1732 from the 76th Texas Legislative Session provides that the owner of an equine must comply with the legislation for a change of ownership. HB 1732 is codified in the Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 161, as §161.149.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendments.

§49.1.Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA): Identification and Handling of Infected Equine.

(a)

Official Test. The agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test, also known as the Coggins test, the Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (CELISA) test, and other USDA-licensed tests approved by the commission, are the official tests for equine infectious anemia (EIA) in horses, asses, mules, ponies, zebras and any other equine in Texas.

(b)

Authorization to conduct test. Only United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-approved laboratories, including USDA approved off-site laboratories, are allowed to run the AGID and CELISA or other USDA licensed tests and all tests will be official. Only test samples from accredited veterinarians or other TAHC authorized personnel accompanied by a completed VS Form 10-11 can be accepted for official testing.

(c)

Official Identification of Equine Tested for EIA. All official blood tests must be accompanied by a completed VS Form 10-11 (Equine Infectious Anemia Laboratory Test) listing the description of the equine to include the following: age, breed, color, sex, animal's name, and all distinctive markings (i.e., color patterns, brands, tattoos, scars, or blemishes). In the absence of any distinctive color markings or any form of visible permanent identification (brands, tattoos or scars), the animal must be identified by indicating the location of all hair whorls, vortices or cowlicks with an "X" on the illustration provided on the VS Form 10-11. It must list owner's name, address, the animal's home premise and county, the name and address of the authorized individual collecting the test sample, and laboratory and individual conducting the test. The EIA test document shall list one horse only.

(d)

Reactor. A reactor is any equine which discloses a positive reaction to the official test. The individual collecting the test sample must notify the animal's owner of the quarantine within 48 hours after receiving the results.

(e)

Retest of reactors. Equine which have been disclosed as reactors may be retested prior to branding provided:

(1)

owners or their agents initiate a request to the TAHC Area Director of the area where the horse is located;

(2)

retests are conducted within 30 days after the date of the original test;

(3)

blood samples for retests are collected by the person who collected the sample for the first test or by TAHC personnel, and the blood samples are submitted to the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for testing;

(4)

the individual collecting the retest sample is provided documentation that the animal being retested is the same as the one shown positive on the initial test and can verify the retested equine as being the same as shown on the original test document; and

(5)

the positive animal is held under quarantine along with all other equine on the premise.

(f)

Official identification of reactors. A reactor to the official test must be permanently identified using the National Uniform Tag Code number assigned by the USDA to the state in which the reactor was tested followed by the letter "A" (the code for Texas is 74A). The reactor identification must be permanently applied by a representative of the Texas Animal Health Commission who must use for the purpose of identification, a hot-iron brand or freeze-marking brand. The brand must be not less than two inches high and shall be applied to the left shoulder or left side of the neck of the reactor. Reactors must be branded within ten days of the date the laboratory completes the test unless the equine is destroyed. Any equine destroyed prior to branding must be described in a written statement by the accredited veterinarian or other authorized personnel certifying to the destruction. This certification must be submitted to the Texas Animal Health Commission promptly.

(g)

Quarantine. Any equine animal found to be a reactor to the official test will be quarantined by a representative of the Texas Animal Health Commission to the premises of its home, farm, ranch or stable until natural death, disposition by euthanasia, slaughter, or disposition to a Texas Animal Health Commission approved, diagnostic or research facility. The quarantine shall restrict the infected equine, all other equine on the premise, and all equine epidemiologically determined to have been exposed to an EIA-positive animal to isolation at least 200 yards away from equine on adjacent premises.

(h)

Movement of Reactors and Exposed Equine.

(1)

Reactor equine. Following official identification, a reactor must be accompanied by a VS Form 1-27 permit issued by an accredited veterinarian or other authorized state or federal personnel when moved from its home premises either:

(A)

Directly to a slaughter plant, slaughter-only market, or slaughter-only buying facility; or

(B)

Directly to an approved diagnostic or research facility; or

(C)

Directly to a livestock market to be sold for slaughter, provided that within 24 hours prior to entry, the equine is inspected by a TAHC veterinarian or a Texas USDA-accredited veterinarian to ensure the equine displays no clinical signs of EIA and has a normal temperature. The auction market must isolate the positive equine from other equine, pen the positive equine under a roof, and hold the positive equine on the premise for no longer than 24 hours.

(2)

Exposed equine. Exposed equine must be identified with an "S" brand placed on the left shoulder or left side of the neck, and be accompanied by a VS Form 1-27 permit issued by an accredited veterinarian or other authorized state or federal personnel when moved either:

(A)

Directly to a livestock market for sale directly to slaughter provided the exposed equine is quarantined at the market in isolation from other horses; or

(B)

Directly to a slaughter plant, slaughter-only market, or slaughter-only buying facility; or

(C)

Directly to an approved diagnostic or research facility.

(i)

Requirements for testing equine on quarantined premises. All equine determined to have been on the same premise with an EIA-positive horse at the time the positive horse was bled shall be tested by an accredited veterinarian at owner's expense or by Commission personnel. Nursing foals are exempt from testing.

(j)

Requirements for Testing Exposed Equine and High Risk Herds.

(1)

Exposed equine. All equine epidemiologically determined to have been exposed to an EIA-positive animal shall be quarantined and tested by an Accredited Veterinarian at owner's expense or by Commission personnel. Nursing foals are exempt from testing.

(2)

Whole herd testing. All equine except nursing foals that are part of a herd from which a reactor has been classified shall be tested by an Accredited Veterinarian at owner's expense or by Commission personnel. A herd is:

(A)

All equine under common ownership or supervision that are on one premise; or

(B)

All equine under common ownership or supervision on two or more premises that are geographically separated, but on which the equine have been interchanged or where there has been contact among the equine on the different premises. Contact between equine on the different premises will be assumed unless the owner establishes otherwise and the results of the epidemiologic investigation are consistent with the lack of contact between premises; or

(C)

All equine on common premises, such as community pastures or grazing association units, but owned by different persons. Other equine owned by the persons involved which are located on other premises are considered to be part of this herd unless the epidemiologic investigation establishes that equine from the affected herd have not had the opportunity for direct or indirect contact with equine from that specific premise.

(3)

High Risk Testing. Herds determined to be at high risk shall be tested by an accredited veterinarian at owner's expense or by commission personnel. High risk herds are those epidemiologically judged by a State-Federal veterinarian to have a high probability of having or developing equine infectious anemia. A high risk herd need not be located on the same premise as an infected or adjacent herd.

(k)

Release of EIA quarantine. The EIA quarantine may be released by the Texas Animal Health Commission after all quarantined equine test negative at least 60 days following identification and removal of the last EIA-positive equine as set out in subsections (f) and (h) of this section. Epidemiological data may be considered in the release of the quarantine.

(l)

Requirements for Change of Ownership. A negative EIA test within the previous 12 months is required for all equine, except zebras, which are eight months of age or older, changing ownership in Texas, except, if the animal is:

(1)

sold to slaughter, to be tested at the slaughter facility at Commission expense; or

(2)

a nursing foal, that is transferred with its dam and the dam has tested negative for equine infectious anemia during the 12 months preceding the date of the transfer.

(m)

Any equine sold to slaughter must be accompanied by a VS Form 1-27 permit issued by an accredited veterinarian or other authorized state or federal personnel when moved to a slaughter plant, slaughter-only market, or slaughter-only buying facility.

§49.3.Requirements for Dealer Recordkeeping.

(a)

A dealer is defined as a person engaged in the business of buying or selling animals in commerce:

(1)

On the person's own account;

(2)

As an employee or agent of the vendor, the purchaser, or both; or

(3)

On a commission basis.

(b)

A dealer as defined in subsection (a) of this section does not include a person who buys or sells animals as part of the person's bona fide breeding, feeding or stocker operations, but does include livestock markets and commission merchants.

(c)

Any dealer must maintain records of equine purchased and sold. Such records shall show the buyer's and seller's name and address, county of origin, number of animals, and a description of each animal, including sex, age, color and color markings, registration number, if any, and any individual identification such as tattoo, brand, or microchip number. Records at auctions and commission firms shall show the delivery vehicle license number. All dealer records must be maintained for a minimum of two years after the date of the transaction.

(d)

Slaughter buyers. A slaughter buyer is someone who buys an equine on their own account, as an employee or agent of a slaughter facility, or on a commission basis for the purpose of being slaughtered. A slaughter buyer must maintain records required under subsection (c) of this section, which includes the VS Form 1-27 permit number and the name of the person who issued it.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 3, 2000.

TRD-200002388

Gene Snelson

General Counsel

Texas Animal Health Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 14, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 719-0714


Chapter 51. INTERSTATE SHOWS AND FAIRS

4 TAC §51.1, §51.2

The Texas Animal Health Commission proposes amendments to Chapter 51, concerning Interstate Shows and Fairs. This amends §51.1 and §51.2. Section 51.1 provides definitions for terms contained in the sections. The proposed amendment to this section is to add a definition for sponsor. Section 51.2 concerns general requirements and provides entry requirements for livestock into shows and fairs. The proposed amendment to this section is to require that an event sponsor check equine health papers prior to entry of an event or to get commission approval of an alternate procedure. This amendment is to §51.2(d).

The regulations are being amended to put in place a requirement that the sponsor of such an event will check equine participants papers to insure that these equine have had a negative Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test within the last twelve months. This is a current requirement of commission regulations. This is also supported by a statutory penalty, found at §161.136 of the Texas Agriculture Code, which states that it is an offense for a sponsor of an event to permit entry to such an event without having the proper health certificate. However, commission inspections of such events find that it is commonplace for an event to not check for such papers prior to entry creating an increased potential that an EIA positive equine can enter such an event. This in turn would expose and possibly infect a large number of equine that are participating in the event.

Commuter Flock agreements are added to this chapter in order to reflect proposed rule changes in Chapter 57, entitled "Poultry." There is also a proposed repeal of the poultry exemption in order for this chapter to conform to requirements contained in Chapter 57.

Mrs. Angela Lucas, Director of Financial Services, Texas Animal Health Commission, has determined for the first five-year period the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules. The addition of this requirement will allow agency personnel to focus on performing a broader range of duties rather than being limited to the time-consuming effort of checking everyone's health papers.

Mrs. Lucas also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be clear and concise regulations. Furthermore, there is a strong benefit for equine owners who participate in these shows and fairs by insuring that their equine are not potentially exposed to an EIA positive animal that has gained entry into such an event.

In accordance with Government Code, §2001.022, this agency has determined that the proposed rule will not impact local economies and, therefore, did not file a request for a local employment impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission.

The agency has determined that the proposed governmental action will not affect private real property. These proposed rules are an activity related to the handling of animals, including requirements concerning testing, movement, inspection, identification, reporting of disease, and treatment, in accordance with 4 TAC §59.7, and are, therefore, compliant with the Private Real Property Preservation Act in Government Code, Chapter 2007.

Comments regarding the proposed amendments may be submitted to Edith Smith, Texas Animal Health Commission, 2105 Kramer Lane, Austin, Texas 78758.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 161, §161.041 (a) and (b). Under that authority the commission shall protect all livestock, domestic animals, and domestic fowl from equine infectious anemia and the commission may adopt any rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection, including rules concerning testing, movement, inspection, and treatment. Under §161.043 the commission may regulate the entry of livestock, domestic animals, and domestic fowl into exhibitions, shows, and fairs and may require treatment or certification of those animals as reasonably necessary to protect against communicable diseases. Section 161.136 (b) provides that [a] person commits an offense if the person in charge of the exhibition, show, or fair, permits an equine to enter without the necessary health papers. Section 161.046 authorizes the Commission to promulgate rules in accordance with the Texas Agriculture Code.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendments.

§51.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1)

Accredited veterinarian--One who is approved to perform specified functions required by cooperative state-federal disease control eradication programs pursuant to Code of Federal Regulations, Part 160.

(2)

Assembly--Boarding stables, boarding pastures, breeding farms, parades, rodeos, roping events, trail rides, and training stables.

(3)

Certificate of veterinary inspection--A document signed by an accredited veterinarian that shows the livestock, poultry, exotic livestock, or exotic fowl listed were inspected and subjected to tests, immunizations, and treatment as required by the commission. Certificates are valid for 45 days for equine and 30 days for all other species.

(4)

Commuter Flock -- A National Poultry Improvement Plan (pullorum-typhoid clean or equivalent) flock in good standing with operations in participating states that are under single ownership or management control whose normal operations require interstate movement of hatching eggs and/or baby poultry without change of ownership for purposes of hatching, feeding, rearing or breeding. The owner or representative of the company owning the flock and chief animal health officials of participating states of origin and destination must have entered into a signed "Commuter Poultry Flock Agreement."

(5)

[ (4) ] Entry permit--A permit issued by the commission that allows livestock, poultry, exotic livestock, or exotic fowl to enter Texas provided movement criteria have been met. The permit is valid for 15 days.

(6)

[ (5) ] Equine interstate passport--A document signed by an accredited veterinarian that shows the equine listed was inspected, subjected to tests, immunizations and treatment as required by the issuing state animal health agency, and contains a description of the equine listed. The passport is valid for six months when accompanied by proof of an official negative EIA test within the previous six months. Permanent individual animal identification in the form of a lip tattoo, brand or electronic implant is required for all equine approved for the equine interstate passport. This document is valid for equine entering from any state which has entered into a written agreement to reciprocate with Texas.

(7)

[ (6) ] Equine identification card--A document signed by the owner and a brand inspector or authorized state animal regulatory agency representative which lists the animal's name and description and indicates the location of all identifying marks or brands. This document is valid for equine entering from any state which has entered into a written agreement to reciprocate with Texas.

(8)

[ (7) ] Interstate show, fair, or exhibition--A show, fair, or exhibition that permits livestock and poultry from other states to enter for show or exhibition and be held in common facilities with Texas origin livestock and poultry of the same species.

(9)

[ (8) ] Intrastate show, fair, or exhibition--A show, fair, or exhibition that requires Texas livestock and poultry of the same species to be housed and exhibited separate and apart from livestock and poultry from out-of-state.

(10)

[ (9) ] Local livestock show--A show which limits exhibitions to those which originate from the county where the show is held and the adjacent counties.

(11)

[ (10) ] "S" permit--Any document designated by the executive director for movement of cattle with restricted movement. A VS 1-27 permit may be used for this purpose as well as the New Mexico Form 1A when it is clearly identified as an "S" permit listing the market of origin and is accompanied by the purchase sheet.

(12)

Sponsor -- Is an owner or person in charge of an exhibition, show or fair.

(13)

[ (11) ] Waybill--A document used for livestock moving directly to a livestock market, quarantined feedlot, or slaughter plant. The waybill contains the following information:

(A)

name and address of owner or shipper;

(B)

point of origin;

(C)

number and type of livestock;

(D)

purpose of movement; and

(E)

destination.

§51.2.General Requirements.

(a)

Entry from nonquarantined herd, flock, or area. All livestock or poultry entering Texas from any state, territory, or foreign country shall be from a herd, flock, or area not under quarantine except as provided in subsection (c) of this section.

(b)

Certificate of veterinary inspection.

(1)

All nonquarantined livestock or poultry entering Texas from any state, territory, or foreign country shall have a certificate of veterinary inspection, except:

(A)

cattle 18 months of age and over delivered directly from the farm of origin to slaughter or a USDA specifically approved livestock market by the owner or consigned there and accompanied by a waybill;

(B)

cattle 18 months of age and over entering from other than a farm-of-origin may be moved to slaughter, to a designated pen, or to a quarantined feedlot when accompanied by an "S" permit on which each animal is individually identified. Brucellosis test data shall be written on the "S" permit and include test date and results of that test;

(C)

steers, spayed heifers, cattle under 18 months of age, sheep and goats[ ,and equine ] delivered to slaughter or livestock market by the owner or consigned there and accompanied by a waybill;

(D)

swine and poultry delivered to slaughter by the owner or consigned there and accompanied by a waybill;

(E)

baby poultry which have not been fed or watered if from a national poultry improvement plan (NPIP) or equivalent hatchery, and accompanied by NPIP Form 9-3 or Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Form 17-6 or, have an approved "Commuter Poultry Flock Agreement" on file with the state of origin and the Texas Animal Health Commission; and

(F)

steers, spayed heifers, and cattle under 18 months of age originating in New Mexico which are accompanied by a New Mexico official certificate of livestock inspection along with proof of brucellosis vaccination of heifers which are required to be vaccinated.

(2)

The certificate of veterinary inspection shall state that:

(A)

the veterinarian found the animals to be free of symptoms or evidence of communicable diseases determined by the commission to be dangerous to Texas animals; and

(B)

the animals were subjected to tests, immunizations, and treatment required by rule of the commission. Animals that have been vaccinated or tested for any disease as required by the commission shall be individually identified on the certificate of veterinary inspection except that brucellosis vaccinated heifers under 18 months of age with tattoos and vaccination tags require only a statement by the veterinarian that they are vaccinated and individually identified.

(c)

Livestock or poultry entering from quarantined herds, flocks, or areas.

(1)

Animals, poultry, or birds originating in a state or area under quarantine as a result of action taken during a meeting of the commission shall not be moved into Texas except as specified in the quarantine notice.

(2)

Animals, poultry, or birds affected with or recently exposed to infectious, contagious, or communicable disease and not in an area or state under the commission's quarantine or that originate in quarantined herds or flocks shall not be moved into Texas unless:

(A)

they are consigned to slaughter or quarantined feedlot and accompanied by a VS Form 1-27 permit issued by an accredited veterinarian or regularly employed veterinarians or inspectors of the state of origin or of the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services; or

(B)

upon written permission by the executive director of the commission for each consignment.

(d)

Entering Shows, Fairs, Exhibitions, and Assemblies.

(1)

Out-of-state or area origin. Livestock and poultry entering for exhibition and sale shall be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection and a permit for entry. Livestock and poultry entering only for exhibition purposes are required to be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection. Vaccination for brucellosis is not required for cattle. Equine may enter shows, fairs, exhibitions or assemblies without a certificate of veterinary inspection when accompanied by a valid equine interstate passport or equine identification card and a completed VS Form 10-11 showing negative results to an official EIA test within the previous six months. Sponsors of an assembly of equine are required to implement a procedure for review of records on each equine animal to confirm proof of EIA test negative status within the previous twelve months prior to allowing entry of the equine into facilities or locations where the animals will be commingled. Procedures other than confirmation of proof of EIA test negative status by the event sponsor(s) at the time of arrival at the event shall be submitted to the Commission at least 30 days prior to the event for consideration. A decision regarding a proposed procedure will be provided to the sponsor within 10 days of receipt by the Commission. Horses entering a pari-mutuel track must have a negative EIA test within the past 12 months and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.

(2)

In-state origin.

(A)

Equine. Must have had a negative EIA test within the past 12 months if entering a show, fair, exhibition, or assembly. Sponsors of an assembly of equine are required to implement a procedure for review of records on each equine animal to confirm proof of EIA test negative status within the previous twelve months prior to allowing entry of the equine into facilities or locations where the animals will be commingled. Procedures other than confirmation of proof of EIA test negative status by the event sponsor(s) at the time of arrival at the event shall be submitted to the Commission at least 30 days prior to the event for consideration. A decision regarding a proposed procedure will be provided to the sponsor within 10 days of receipt by the Commission. Horses entering a pari-mutuel track must have a negative EIA test within the past 12 months and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Foals [ less than eight months of age, as evidenced by the lack of the eruption of the third pair of upper incisors, ] nursing a negative dam are exempt from testing.

(B)

Breeding rams. May enter shows, fairs, and exhibitions without a test for Brucella ovis if they originate in Texas.

(C)

Other livestock and poultry. Shall meet the same requirements as for those entering from out-of-state and be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection when entering shows, fairs, and exhibitions that are determined to be interstate. Livestock entered in all intrastate shows, fairs, and exhibitions are exempt from the certificate of veterinary inspection and testing requirements except poultry shall originate from flocks or hatcheries free of pullorum disease and fowl typhoid or have a negative pullorum-typhoid test within 30 days before exhibition. [ Poultry entering from out-of-state are not required to have a certificate of veterinary inspection if: ]

[ (i)

they are entered in a show, fair, or exhibition of less than 10 days duration with immediate return to the state of origin; ]

[ (ii)

accompanied by a VS 9-2 or NPIP 3B blood testing report or a current state testing report form; ]

[ (iii)

originate from a state that is classified as United States Pullorum-Typhoid clean; and ]

[ (iv)

the state of origin has no flock under federal quarantine for any infectious disease of poultry. ]

(e)

Entry permits.

(1)

All livestock or poultry entering Texas from any state, territory, or foreign country shall have an entry permit unless exempt by regulations governing entry by species or disease.

(2)

Entry permit requests shall be directed to the commission by either writing to Texas Animal Health Commission c/o Permits P.O. Box 12966, Austin, Texas 78711-2966; or by telephoning (512) 719-0777.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 3, 2000.

TRD-200002389

Gene Snelson

General Counsel

Texas Animal Health Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 14, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 719-0714


Chapter 57. POULTRY

4 TAC §57.10, §57.11

The Texas Animal Health Commission proposes amendments to Chapter 57, concerning Poultry. This proposal amends §57.10 and §57.11. Section 57.10 provides definitions for terms contained in the sections. Section 57.11 concerns general requirements and provides for disease control and eradication in poultry.

The proposed changes to §57.10 define a Commuter Flock and describe a Commuter Flock Agreement. The proposed changes to §57.11 include language to clarify who is responsible for prescribing the Texas Pullorum Typhoid Program as well as more clearly stating the requirement for testing prior to sale. In addition, the proposal will implement the exemption from the requirement for the health certificate for baby poultry and hatching eggs for those who are party to an approved Commuter Poultry Flock Agreement. This provision is expected to ease the paperwork burden on the poultry industry without compromising poultry health concerns. Proposed changes to §57.11 will also repeal the current exemption to the requirement for a health certificate for poultry shipped into the State of Texas to participate in shows, fairs, or exhibitions of less than ten days duration. Other specific conditions will also have to be met. This change will provide additional protection to Texas poultry from the introduction of poultry diseases by show birds whether the disease is natural or vaccine induced, and will put all poultry entering the state on an equal footing. The commission is also clarifying the timeframe for a health certificate in order to correspond to a similar requirement in Chapter 51.

Mrs. Angela Lucas, Director of Financial Services, Texas Animal Health Commission, has determined for the first five-year period the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Mrs. Lucas also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be clear and concise regulations.

In accordance with Government Code, §2001.022, this agency has determined that the adopted rule will not impact local economies and, therefore, did not file a request for a local employment impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission.

The agency has determined that the proposed governmental action will not affect private real property. These adopted rules are an activity related to the handling of animals, including requirements concerning testing, movement, inspection, identification, reporting of disease, and treatment, in accordance with 4 TAC §59.7, and are, therefore, compliant with the Private Real Property Preservation Act in Government Code, Chapter 2007.

Comments regarding the proposed amendments may be submitted to Edith Smith, Texas Animal Health Commission, 2105 Kramer Lane, Austin, Texas 78758.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 161, §161.041 (a) and (b), and §161.046 which authorizes the Commission to promulgate rules in accordance with the Texas Agriculture Code.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendments.

§57.10.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Approved laboratories--Texas A&M Poultry Diagnostic Laboratories located at College Station, Center, and Gonzales, Texas, the National Veterinary Services Diagnostic Laboratory located in Ames, Iowa, and other laboratories specifically approved by the commission.

(2)

Baby poultry--Any newly hatched poultry that has not been fed or watered.

(3)

Commission--The Texas Animal Health Commission.

(4)

Commuter Flock -- A National Poultry Improvement Plan (pullorum-typhoid clean or equivalent) flock in good standing with operations in participating states that are under single ownership or management control whose normal operations require interstate movement of hatching eggs and/or baby poultry without change of ownership for purposes of hatching, feeding, rearing or breeding. The owner or representative of the company owning the flock and chief animal health officials of participating states of origin and destination must have entered into a signed "Commuter Poultry Flock Agreement."

(5)

[ (4) ] Designated areas--Laryngotracheitis (LT) area. An area considered exposed to LT consisting of a minimum of a one-mile radius around an infected farm and in which chick embryo origin LT vaccine may be used as provided in the regulations and where other specific procedures apply.

(6)

[ (5) ] Endemic--A disease of low occurrence that is constantly present in a given animal population.

(7)

[ (6) ] Hatching eggs--Poultry eggs for hatching purposes including embryonated eggs.

(8)

[ (7) ] Permit--A written authorization for movement issued by the commission.

(9)

[ (8) ] Person--A partnership, firm, corporation, association, or individual.

(10)

[ (9) ] Poultry--Chickens, turkeys, game birds of all ages, and other domestic fowl, except baby poultry as defined in this section.

(11)

[ (10) ] Reportable poultry disease--

(A)

Infection of and/or exposure to any of the following diseases shall be reported immediately upon disclosure of the disease to the Commission:

(i)

Viral.

(I)

Avian influenza.

(II)

Exotic Newcastle (V V [ N ]ND).

(III)

Infectious laryngotracheitis (LT).

(IV)

Duck plague (duck enteritis).

(V)

Avian Encephalitis.

(VI)

Paramyxovirus Disease other than Exotic Newcastle (VVND).

(ii)

Bacterial.

(I)

Salmonellosis (Pullorum, Fowl Typhoid).

(II)

Avian tuberculosis.

(III)

Ornithosis.

(B)

Any other disease of poultry, when not considered to be endemic in the State of Texas, is reportable under these regulations.

( 12)

[ (11) ] Vaccine--A suspension of attenuated or killed micro-organisms administered for the prevention or treatment of an infectious poultry disease and approved for use by USDA and the commission. The following is a list of approved vaccines:

(A)

Newcastle disease (B and LaSota strains);

(B)

infectious bronchitis without restriction;

(C)

fowl pox;

(D)

pigeon pox;

(E)

Marek's disease;

(F)

tenosynovitis (viral arthritis);

(G)

avian encephalomyelitis (AE);

(H)

infectious bursal disease;

(I)

erysipelas bacterin;

(J)

fowl cholera (bacterin and live attenuated CU strain vaccine);

(K)

infectious coryza bacterin;

(L)

combinations of approved vaccines, e.g., Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis;

(M)

laryngotracheitis--modified tissue culture without restriction; or Chick Embryo Origin use upon tentative or confirmed diagnosis by an approved laboratory and upon written agreement between the commission and flock owners in a designated area for laryngotracheitis;

(N)

Salmonella arizonae bacterin is restricted to use in flocks where a confirmed diagnosis by an approved laboratory of Salmonella arizonae has been made. Written permit from the commission is required for use of this bacterin;

(O)

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) attenuated vaccine is restricted to use in flocks where a confirmed diagnosis by an approved laboratory has been made. A written permit from the commission is required for use of the vaccine. MG vaccine may be used without restriction following approval outlined in §34.2(a) of this title (relating to Importation).

§57.11.General Requirements.

(a)

Quarantine provisions.

(1)

Poultry and/or premises shall be placed under quarantine when evidence of infection or possible exposure to any contagious and/or communicable disease not considered to be endemic exists in the State of Texas. A quarantine shall remain in effect until epidemiological evidence of the existing disease or exposure thereto is satisfied. After due consideration of epidemiological evidence, the executive director of the commission may cause the quarantine to be released.

(2)

When laryngotracheitis infection is confirmed in any house on a farm, the entire farm will be placed under quarantine, and all poultry on that farm will be considered infected and no molting will be allowed until after the quarantine has been released. Official quarantine signs will be posted in a prominent place at the entrance to the premise and on the doors of each house. The doors should be locked when the house is unattended.

(3)

Premises may be released from laryngotracheitis quarantine when:

(A)

the farm has been depopulated and established cleaning and disinfection procedures have been applied;

(B)

all infected poultry have been removed and all replacement poultry have been vaccinated twice with cell culture vaccine, no chick embryo origin vaccine has been used, and a surveillance system as established by the commission is carried out with no evidence of active infection; or

(C)

all dead poultry and caked litter are removed; the houses are sprayed with disinfectant and closed for 15 to 30 days; and two consecutive sets of nonvaccinated poultry are raised in the houses with no evidence of infection based on commission surveillance.

(4)

When fowl typhoid (S. gallinarum) infection is confirmed in a flock, the farm on which the flock is located shall be placed under quarantine and the flock depopulated. Following depopulation and burial or incineration of all poultry, nest material, and litter, the premise and facilities shall be cleaned and disinfected. The premise shall remain quarantined for at least 180 days following depopulation during which time poultry shall not be reintroduced to the premises. Following removal of the quarantine, repopulation of the premises may be allowed with poultry that have been tested negative to fowl typhoid.

(b)

Public exhibitions. Poultry entered in public exhibition shall originate from flocks or hatcheries free of pullorum disease and fowl typhoid or have a negative pullorum-typhoid test within 30 days before exhibition. Chickens or turkeys entered in public exhibition shall be accompanied by a certificate of source.

(c)

Public sales. Poultry offered for public sale or trade at markets such as trade days, flea markets, auctions, or any other public sale shall originate from pullorum-typhoid clean flocks or hatcheries. The seller shall furnish proof of the source of poultry or hatching eggs offered for public sale. The owner or management of any market or public sale shall prevent the sale, trade, or offer for sale of any poultry that is not properly qualified under the Texas Pullorum-Typhoid Program as prescribed by the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) and/or the National Poultry Improvement Plan. Failure to enforce this requirement may result in the seeking of a court order prohibiting any further sale of poultry on the grounds. Poultry from states other than Texas shall be accompanied by a health certificate from the state of origin, including a negative pullorum-typhoid test within 30 days of the sale as described in subsection(e) (1) of this section . Poultry not properly identified and qualified as pullorum-typhoid clean are [ is ] prohibited from sale and shall be returned to the owner's [ owner ] or dealer's premises.

(d)

Surveillance. The commission may pick up dead poultry at farms to determine if laryngotracheitis or any other disease is present in any area.

(e)

Interstate Movement.

(1)

Poultry shipped into the State of Texas shall be accompanied by an official health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 30 [ ten ] days prior to shipment. The health certificate shall state that the poultry have been inspected and are free of evidence of infectious or contagious disease; that the poultry have been vaccinated only with approved vaccines as defined in this regulation; and that the poultry have [ has ] not originated from an area that has had active Laryngotracheitis within the last 30 days. The certificate shall also state the poultry have passed a negative test for pullorum typhoid within 30 days prior to shipment or that they originate from flocks which have met the pullorum-typhoid requirements of the Texas Pullorum-Typhoid Program and/or the National Poultry Improvement Plan. Baby poultry will be exempt from this section if from an NPIP, or equivalent, hatchery, and accompanied by NPIP Form 9-3, or APHIS Form 17-6; or, are covered by an approved "Commuter Poultry Flock Agreement" on file with the state of origin and the Texas Animal Health Commission.

[ (2)

An official health certificate is not required on poultry shipped into the State of Texas for shows, fairs, or exhibitions of less than ten days duration, with immediate return to the state of origin, provided they are accompanied by a VS 9-2 or NPIP 3B blood testing report or a current state testing report form and providing they originate from a state that is classified as U.S. pullorum-typhoid clean and that state has no flock under federal quarantine for any infectious disease of poultry. ]

(2)

[ (3) ] An official health certificate is not required on poultry consigned to slaughter establishments, which maintain federal postmortem inspection, provided the shipment is accompanied by a waybill indicating the plant of destination.

(3)

[ (4) ] Live poultry, unprocessed poultry, hatching eggs, unprocessed eggs, egg flats, poultry coops, cages, crates, other birds, and used poultry equipment affected with, or recently exposed to, infectious, contagious, or communicable disease, or originating in state or federal quarantined areas shall not enter Texas without express written consent from the commission.

(f)

Depopulation and disposition of poultry and eggs. The commission shall depopulate or dispose of poultry and/or hatching eggs that pose a threat to the poultry industry of the State of Texas after a hearing before the commission pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.

(g)

Dead poultry disposal. Dead poultry are to be disposed of by incinerating, burying in disposal pits, or hauling to a rendering plant in closed containers.

(h)

Cleaning and disinfecting.

(1)

Premises found to have housed, incubated, brooded, or ranged an infected flock shall be cleaned and disinfected under the supervision of the commission within 15 days following depopulation, unless an extension of time is granted. Infected premises shall not be restocked with poultry or eggs for hatching purposes until the cleaning and disinfecting requirement of this subsection is certified complete by the commission. The following cleaning and disinfection procedures are approved for laryngotracheitis:

(A)

completely clean house, spray with disinfectant, and close for 15-30 days; or

(B)

remove all dead poultry and caked litter, spray with disinfectant, and close for 15-30 days.

(2)

Trucks, loading equipment, cages, or coops used in hauling poultry vaccinated with restricted vaccines or infected with a reportable disease within a designated area or from a designated area shall be cleaned and disinfected prior to entering premises on which the disease has not been diagnosed and the vaccine has not been used or as directed by the commission.

(i)

Designated area for laryngotracheitis. The following procedures shall apply to all poultry operations:

(1)

Replacement poultry. All poultry housed in the designated area will be vaccinated twice (no earlier than four weeks of age and again at least four weeks later) with cell culture (eye drop) modified vaccine before being housed for egg production. A certificate of vaccination must be on file with the owner, farm manager, and the commission. Prior entry permit and health certificate with vaccination history are required for poultry originating out-of-state. These poultry may receive the second vaccination upon arrival at farm, but the first vaccination must be no earlier than four weeks of age.

(2)

Molted hens.

(A)

Any hen molted and retained for egg production must be vaccinated with cell culture vaccine after molting.

(B)

The hens on known infected premises may be allowed to complete the laying cycle but shall not be molted. Empty houses shall be repopulated only with pullets that have been vaccinated twice with cell culture vaccine at the proper age.

(3)

Broilers may be vaccinated with chick embryo vaccine under the following conditions.

(A)

No vaccination except by agreement with the commission.

(B)

Agreements signed under the following conditions:

(i)

broilers less than five weeks of age located within a designated area;

(ii)

the next two flocks following an infected flock if epidemiologically sound;

(iii)

chick embryo vaccine can be used in layers or breeders only to stop an outbreak and only by agreement with the commission.

(4)

Movement.

(A)

Permits are required for movement of all non infected flocks between farms in the designated area. Poultry may move from a designated area only to slaughter and only under permit.

(B)

Infected flocks and chick embryo origin vaccinated flocks can be moved only to slaughter under permit.

(5)

Trucks.

(A)

Cleaning and disinfection is required for all trucks hauling infected flocks and chick embryo origin vaccinated flocks.

(B)

Farms with poultry infected with laryngotracheitis or vaccinated with chick embryo origin vaccine are to be serviced the last trip of the day. The driver should not enter the poultry house. The driver must wear rubber boots and disinfect them before leaving the farm. All vehicles should be disinfected after entering an infected premise.

(6)

Personnel.

(A)

Employees from infected or chick embryo origin vaccinated farms are not to enter houses on non infected or non chick embryo origin vaccinated farms.

(B)

When entering infected houses, managers must wear protective clothing and change before entering non infected houses.

(C)

Catching crews must follow cleaning and disinfection procedures before entering and leaving all infected or chick embryo origin vaccinated premises.

(7)

Equipment.

(A)

Egg flats from infected or chick embryo origin vaccinated premises are to be returned to infected houses or disposed of or disinfected.

(B)

Equipment from infected or chick embryo origin vaccinated farms cannot be moved to other farms without cleaning and disinfection.

(8)

Dead poultry disposal must be according to regulations.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 3, 2000.

TRD-200002390

Gene Snelson

General Counsel

Texas Animal Health Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 14, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 719-0714