AUSTIN
- A requirement for adult cattle in Texas to have an approved form of
permanent identification in place at change of ownership will go into
effect January 1, 2013 according to the Texas Animal
Health Commission (TAHC). The Commission amended its rules in June of
this year to enhance the effective traceability of beef cattle movements
in Texas, which is the cornerstone of disease control activities.
Implementation of the changes was delayed by the
Commission to ensure cattle producers understand the requirements and
can prepare for the changes.
The amended
rule permanently cancels the brucellosis test requirement for adult
cattle at change of ownership, which was unofficially suspended in the
summer of 2011. Although testing of adult cattle
is no longer required with the rule change, all sexually intact cattle,
parturient or post parturient, or 18 months of age and older changing
ownership must still be officially identified with Commission approved
permanent identification. This change primarily
affects beef cattle, as dairy cattle in Texas have had an even more
stringent identification requirement in place since 2008.
Before August
of 2011, official identification devices such as eartags were applied
automatically at the time a brucellosis test was performed. The
inadvertent loss of the identification devices applied
to cattle when brucellosis testing stopped has threatened TAHC's ability
to effectively trace cattle as part of any ongoing disease
investigation.
The TAHC
routinely performs cattle health investigations where the identification
and location of exposed/infected animals is critical to success. For
example, 30 Brucellosis reactors, over 300 Bovine
Trichomoniasis affected bulls and 22 bovine tuberculosis cases have been
investigated by the TAHC to date in 2012. The new traceability rule
will help preserve the TAHC's ability to identify and trace animal
movements quickly and effectively, no matter which
disease is involved.
A complete
list of acceptable identification devices/methods may be found at
www.tahc.state.tx.us, but the most commonly used devices include USDA
metal tags, brucellosis calfhood vaccination tags,
US origin 840 series Radio Frequency Identification tags (RFID), and
breed registration tattoos or firebrands. Producers are encouraged to
contact their veterinarian or TAHC to determine which method of tagging
will be best for their operation.
Free USDA
metal tags, and a limited number of free applicator pliers (dependent on
available funding) will be provided by the TAHC to producers wishing to
use them. The tags and/or pliers may be obtained
by contacting local TAHC field staff and USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
representatives. The TAHC is developing tag distribution partnerships
with interested veterinary practitioners and Texas A&M AgriLife
Extension offices. Partner contact information will
be published as it becomes available. Producers may locate the closest
tag distributor online at www.tahc.state.tx.us
.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What age/class of beef cattle must have acceptable permanent identification?
A: Sexually intact adult beef cattle 18 months and up, and Mexican origin event cattle. Nursing calves, steers, spayed heifers, bulls and heifers under 18 months are exempt (unless heifer has calved).
Q: Where can I find the complete listing of all Commission approved permanent identification devices?
A: Producers may access the complete list at www.tahc.state.tx.us
or by contacting any TAHC office or personnel.
Q: Do I have to use the free eartags offered, or can I use other acceptable methods of identification?
A: No, the free metal tags are not required to be used, but they are one low cost option.
Q: Will ear tag pliers be provided at no cost or will I have to purchase them?
A: A limited supply of eartag
pliers is available at no cost. Because of the limited supply,
producers are also encouraged to consider purchasing tagging pliers from
any Ag supply outlets.
Q: Is this rule a federal rule?
A: No, this is a Texas rule,
but it will put the beef industry in compliance with the anticipated
USDA Animal Disease Traceability rule for interstate movement expected
to be released later this year.
Q: When does this Texas rule go into effect?
A: To ensure that the cattle
industry has ample time to understand the changes and prepare,
implementation of this rule will not take effect until January 1, 2013.
Q: If my animal already has a
silver test tag or orange vaccination tag in its ear, will it need to
have a new tag applied if sold at a livestock market?
A: No. Animals presented with approved official Id's at a market will not have to be retagged.
Q: Can I move my cattle directly to slaughter from my farm or ranch without an ID?
A: Yes, ranchers can move an
animal directly to slaughter from their premise without an ID. Breeding
cattle otherwise changing ownership by private treaty (country sales)
must have acceptable identification.
Q: What happens if my cattle are too weak to be safely tagged at market?
A: The TAHC has proposed an
amendment allowing the waiver of the rule by a TAHC inspector in
consultation with market ownership or management for weak cattle
presented at a sale.
Q: Do I need to keep records when I sell my animal(s)?
A: Record keeping is not required when animals are sold, but is strongly encouraged.
Q: Who is responsible for maintaining the information related to eartag distribution?
A: All official identification numbers assigned will be maintained in a TAHC-managed database. The TAHC will not track individual change of ownership transactions.
For
additional ear tag information, including the nearest distributor of
free USDA tags, contact the TAHC Traceability Team at 1-800-550-8242
ext. 733, or visit www.tahc.state.tx.us
.
Founded in
1893, the Texas Animal Health Commission works to protect the health of
all Texas livestock, including: cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, goats,
equine animals, and exotic livestock
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