Source: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/May262017/Adopted%20Rules/4.AGRICULTURE.html
Timestamp: 2018-01-22 20:08:08
Document Index: 371986959

Matched Legal Cases: ['§40', '§161', '§161', '§161', '§161', '§161', '§41', '§41', '§41', '§161', '§161', '§161', '§161', '§167', '§167', '§41', '§59', '§59', '§59', '§59', '§59', '§2261', '§2261', '§59', 'art 1']

The Texas Animal Health Commission (commission) adopts amendments to §40.5, concerning Surveillance and Movement Requirements for Exotic CWD Susceptible Species, with changes to the proposed text as published in the December 30, 2016, issue of the Texas Register (41 TexReg 10495). In addition, a correction of error was published in the January 20, 2017, issue of the Texas Register (42 TexReg 255). The text of the rule will be republished.
The purpose of the amendments is to add surveillance, movement reporting, identification, and mortality recordkeeping requirements.
The agent that causes CWD and other TSEs has not been completely characterized; however, the theory supported by most scientists is that TSE diseases are caused by proteins called prions. The exact mechanism of transmission is unclear; however, evidence suggests CWD is transmitted directly from one animal to another through saliva, feces, and urine containing abnormal prions shed in those body fluids and tissues. Because the disease has a long incubation period, animals infected with CWD may not produce any visible signs of the disease for a number of years after they become infected. The disease can be passed through contaminated environmental conditions and has been known to persist for a long period of time. The "official" diagnostic test for CWD is the Immunohistochemistry (IHC) test performed on the obex tissue of the brain and specific lymphoid tissues. This is a post-mortem test in which the animal must be dead to be tested. There is no known treatment or vaccine for CWD.
In 2012, CWD was first discovered in Texas in a free-ranging mule deer in the Hueco Mountains along the New Mexico border in far West Texas. The commission and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) created a restricted zone that has required testing of susceptible species in that area and restricted movement of live animals. On June 30, 2015, a 2-year old white-tailed deer in a Medina County breeding facility was confirmed positive for CWD. Through testing requirements associated with tracing of deer either moved from or to this facility, CWD has also been discovered in other white-tailed deer, which includes four other facilities in Medina or Lavaca counties. A free-ranging mule deer buck, harvested in Hartley County, was confirmed positive for CWD on March 3, 2016. Hartley County is located in the Texas Panhandle and borders New Mexico. On December 6, 2016, a free-ranging elk was harvested in Dallam County. Dallam County is also located in the Texas Panhandle and borders New Mexico and Oklahoma.
The detection of CWD in different locations in Texas creates a risk for CWD exposure or infection to other susceptible species throughout the state. The commission believes it is necessary to conduct enhanced surveillance of Exotic CWD Susceptible Species to protect against the spread of CWD. Without adequate and equitable testing throughout Texas, the risk only increases for spreading CWD in the state, This only poses a greater disease risk to the cervid industries, as well as creates greater opportunity for negative economic impact for those industries.
The Exotic Wildlife Association submitted comments that indicated they were in support of the requirements as proposed and urged adoption. They stated that they wanted to ensure there is minimal risk for CWD in both farmed and wild cervid populations and believes the rules protect not only animal health but also does not stifle commerce within the industry.
The Texas Wildlife Association also submitted comments that indicated that they see the merit in simplicity and believes the proposed "first three" mortality testing requirement is sufficient for the majority of properties with these species in Texas. However, they believe the rules can and should go further when dealing with operations that create a higher risk profile for disease transmission (i.e. breeding facilities, large populations, prolific traders, etc.) and urged the commission to act with more urgency on implementing such rules as meaningful sample collections are pushed to the fall of 2017 when regular hunting season begins. They believe the commission should strive for as much surveillance as possible, as soon as possible.
The North American Elk Breeders Association submitted comments that they have thoroughly reviewed the proposal and recognize the program is being focused on ensuring minimal risk for CWD in farmed and wild animals. They agree that three CWD samples annually will produce more surveillance in the state and the intrastate movement requirement mirrors examples of programs in other states.
Another commenter indicated that this requirement would be an unfair and burdensome to only the high fence property owners. In the Texas hill country large herds of exotics are located on low fence properties. It would be scientifically incorrect to have only high fence ranches that have just a few sika be subject to these requirements while the low fence neighbor with large number sika be exempt. If TAHC is going to implement these new requirements then it should be for everyone not just high fence ranches. This would help avoid any litigation concerning discriminatory practices toward high fence landowners. The commenter also proposed that all existing exotic CWD susceptible animals be exempt if the ranch is not selling live animals because it is impossible to know how many exotic animals are on ranches that are very large and have extremely thick brush, cedar and rugged terrain. This would put an undue burden on these ranches and could subject the land owner to violations not knowing what exotic animals that were naturally born or came onto the property via a hole in fence caused by hogs or downed trees. I however would support the testing of CWD susceptible animals that are being moved. Requiring a transfer document similar to that used for whitetail deer. The seller must have tested 20% or a set number of animals per year to maintain status. The broker/buyer must also be registered and commit to purchasing only animals from herds that have status.
The commission appreciates the comments, but believes that the commenter has misconstrued some of the requirements. The surveillance requirement applies to all locations (high fence or low fence) where there is a mortality of an exotic susceptible species. The purpose is to get greater test surveillance for this disease and is applied to all locations. The commenter also seems to believe the requirement should only be triggered by locations from which artificial movement occurs. The previous rule used that as the surveillance requirement and is being changed because they was not sufficient surveillance. The rule currently being considered now will no longer apply any test requirements to the movement, but does provide do movement documentation requirements so as to have greater traceability for any disease response.
The commission also received a comment regarding clarity in application of the requirements. The commenter indicated that "[t]he proposed wording is a bit muddled, ESPECIALLY since 40.5 has only dealt with LIVE TRANSPORT -- up until now. I feel strongly that a few simple changes or additions to proposed wording will GREATLY help in clearing up true INTENT for premise owners who might easily wonder (like me) what applies to them or not. For example, it's current wording stating "the person controlling the CWD susceptible species..." is absolutely NOT defined in 40.5 and they suggested the re-wording of Eligible Mortality and Surveillance Requirements. It was suggested that eligible mortality be clarified to indicate that it applies to any eligible animal on any and all premises which raise and/or contain any Exotic CWD Susceptible Species, whether a premise engages in live transport of these animals or not. Such deaths include hunter harvest or herd culling.
It was also suggested that Surveillance Requirements be clarified to apply whether live CWD-species transport movement is involved or not. The first three eligible mortalities of each calendar year shall be tested for CWD with three valid test results obtained. For example, depending on the premise's eligible mortality rates each year during a contiguous four year period, then there exists the potential for as little as zero up to a maximum of 12 total CWD successful tests required. The owner of the premises shall ensure that the CWD samples are properly collected and submitted in compliance with the collections requirements. The owner must report the test results to the commission within 30 days of receiving the test results.
The commission agrees that the suggested wording does provide greater clarity and makes those changes for the adopted version.
The amendments are adopted under the following statutory authority as found in Chapter 161 of the Texas Agriculture Code. The commission is vested by statute, §161.041(a), with the requirement to protect all livestock, domestic animals, and domestic fowl from disease. The commission is authorized, through §161.041(b), to act to eradicate or control any disease or agent of transmission for any disease that affects livestock.
Pursuant to §161.061, entitled "Establishment", if the commission determines that a disease listed in §161.041 of this code or an agency of transmission of one of those diseases exists in a place in this state or among livestock, exotic livestock, domestic animals, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl, or that a place in this state or livestock, exotic livestock, domestic animals, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl are exposed to one of those diseases or an agency of transmission of one of those diseases, the commission shall establish a quarantine on the affected animals or on the affected place.
Pursuant to §161.101, entitled ‘Duty to Report", a veterinarian, a veterinary diagnostic laboratory, or a person having care, custody, or control of an animal shall report the existence of the diseases, if required by the commission, among livestock, exotic livestock, bison, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl to the commission within 24 hours after diagnosis of the disease.
(4) he mortality record shall be on a form provided or approved by the commission and shall be retained for a period of one year following submission to the commission.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 10, 2017.
TRD-201701932
The Texas Animal Health Commission (commission) adopts amendments to §41.8, concerning Dipping, Treatment, and Vaccination of Animals, with changes to the proposed text as published in the December 30, 2016, issue of the Texas Register (41 TexReg 10500). The text of the rule will be republished.
The purpose of the amendments to §41.8 is to provide the Designated Fever Tick Epidemiologist, with the approval of the Executive Director, the discretion to approve inspections, dipping, treatments and/or vaccination requirements that are less stringent than those currently prescribed, taking into consideration the circumstances of the affected producer, and the commission's overarching goal to encourage producers to maintain cattle on affected premises. With routine inspections and treatment, cattle maintained on or near premises have significant value to the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) by serving as sentinel animals, and if found, control agents of the fever tick.
Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) provided comments which indicated that cattle fever ticks pose a significant cattle health threat to the United States and could have detrimental effects on the cattle market and trade if not controlled. These factors make the ability of the commission to effectively eradicate cattle fever ticks from the U.S. of utmost importance to our industry. TSCRA strongly supports the efforts of the commission in their surveillance, control, testing, and treatment of any livestock and/or wildlife that may serve as a host for cattle fever ticks, while recognizing the importance of cattle production in all quarantine zones. TSCRA strongly supports the commission's proposed amendment to §41.8 of the Texas Administrative Code.
Texas Cattle Feeders also has the same concerns for the threat that fever ticks pose the cattle industry and strongly supports the purpose of the amendment to provide the DFTE, with the approval of the Executive Director, the discretion in addressing these problems.
The amendments are adopted under the following statutory authority as found in Chapters 161 and 167 of the Texas Agriculture Code. The commission is vested by statute, §161.041(a), with the requirement to protect all livestock, domestic animals, and domestic fowl from disease. The commission is authorized, through §161.041(b), to act to eradicate or control any disease or agent of transmission for any disease that affects livestock.
Pursuant to §161.007, entitled "Exposure or Infection Considered Continuing", if a veterinarian employed by the commission determines that a communicable disease exists among livestock, domestic animals, or domestic fowl or on certain premises or that livestock, domestic animals, or domestic fowl have been exposed to the agency of transmission of a communicable disease, the exposure or infection is considered to continue until the commission determines that the exposure or infection has been eradicated through methods prescribed by rule of the commission.
Pursuant to §161.081, entitled "Importation of Animals", the commission by rule may regulate the movement, including movement by a railroad company or other common carrier, of livestock, exotic livestock, domestic animals, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl into this state from another state, territory, or country.
Pursuant to §167.003, entitled "General Powers and Duties of the Commission", the commission shall eradicate all ticks capable of carrying Babesia in this state and shall protect all land, premises, and livestock in this state from those ticks and exposure to those ticks. In carrying out this chapter, the commission may adopt necessary rule.
Pursuant to §167.004, entitled "Classification of Animals or Premises as Infested, Exposed or Free from Exposure", the commission by rule shall define what animals and premises are to be classified as exposed to ticks. The commission shall classify as exposed to ticks livestock that have been on land or in an enclosure that the commission determines to be tick infested or exposed to ticks or to have been tick infested or exposed to ticks before or after the removal of the livestock, unless the commission determines that the infestation or exposure occurred after the livestock were removed and that the livestock did not become infested or exposed before removal.
(A) All scratch inspections, dipping, treatment, and vaccination prescribed in this section must be done under the supervision of a representative authorized by the commission.
(B) All scratch inspections, dipping, treatment, or vaccination 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 premises boundaries will be listed in the instructions.
(C) The owner or caretaker of livestock on infested and exposed premises must comply with the TAHC approved Quarantine Schedule as follows:
(i) The starting date for infested premises for Table I (Pasture Treatment or Vacation Schedule, South of Highway 90) and Table II (Pasture Treatment or Vacation Schedule, North of Highway 90), is the date of the first clean dipping of 100% of the livestock.
(ii) The starting date for exposed premises for Table I and Table II is when 100% of the livestock on the premises have been dipped.
(iii) Copies of Table I (Pasture Treatment or Vacation Schedule, South of Highway 90) and Table II (Pasture Treatment or Vacation Schedule, North of Highway 90) may be obtained from the Texas Animal Health Commission, P.O. Box 12966, Austin, Texas 78711-2966.
(D) The owner or caretakers must gather and present all livestock for scratch inspection, dipping, treatment or vaccination required by the commission. The owner or caretaker is responsible for all costs associated with and labor necessary for presenting the owner or caretaker's cattle for scratch inspection, dipping, treatment, or vaccination at the location prescribed by the commission.
(2) Requirements for Dipping, Treatment, or Vaccination:
(A) Dipping Requirements:
(i) The owner or caretaker of livestock on infested or exposed premises must present the livestock to be scratch inspected and dipped with subsequent dipping every seven to 14 days until the livestock are moved from the premises in accordance with these regulations, except as provided in subsection (1)(C) of this section.
(ii) 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.
(iii) 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.
(iv) A dip is not official unless 100% of the livestock within the premises affected are dipped on schedule.
(v) 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 commission for use in official dipping to rid animals of the tick.
(vi) 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.
(vii) If the commission requires livestock to be dipped, the livestock shall be submerged in a vat. A spray-dip machine may be used in areas where a vat is not reasonably available.
(viii) Careful hand spraying may be used for easily restrained horses and show cattle, and when specifically authorized by a commission representative, certain zoo or domestic animals.
(ix) Livestock unable to go through a dipping vat because of size or physical condition, as determined by a commission representative, may be hand sprayed.
(x) The dip treatment must be paint marked on the animals so that it can be identified for as treated for at least 17 days after the treatment.
(B) Authorized Treatment Requirements:
(i) Following the first clean dipping of 100% of the livestock, the cattle may be treated with injectable doramectin in lieu of systematic dipping. The owner or caretaker of cattle on an infested or exposed premises must present the livestock to be scratch inspected and treated with injectable doramectin every 25-28 days until the livestock are moved from the premises in accordance with these regulations, except as provided in subsection (1)(C) of this section.
(ii) Treatment of doramectin shall by administered by subcutaneous injection by a representative of the commission.
(iii) The owner or caretaker must comply with the slaughter withholding period (35 days) of doramectin by holding cattle at the premises of origin until the withdrawal period is completed.
(iv) Treatment is not official unless 100% of the livestock within the premises affected are treated on schedule.
(v) Free-ranging wildlife or exotic livestock that are found on infested or exposed premises, and which are capable of hosting fever ticks will be treated by methods approved by the commission and for the length of time specified by the commission.
(I) Ivermectin medicated corn may be administered to free-ranging wildlife or exotic livestock by a representative of the commission following the close of the hunting season, provided that treatment is terminated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of the next hunting season to comply with the required withdrawal period.
(II) Permethrin impregnated roller devices may be used for topical treatment of free-ranging wildlife or exotic livestock during periods when ivermectin medicated corn is not administered. The commission may specify the use of other pesticides for treatment of wildlife or exotic livestock when deemed necessary to control and eradicate fever ticks.
(C) Vaccination Requirements:
(i) The fever tick vaccine shall be administered by employees or authorized agents of the USDA/APHIS/Veterinary Services or the commission.
(ii) The owner or caretaker must comply with the 60 day slaughter withholding period, or other slaughter withholding timeframe as specified by the label. The owner or caretaker must hold vaccinated cattle at the premises of origin until the withdrawal period is completed.
(iii) In addition to any dipping or treatment required by this section, beef cattle two months of age or older located within the tick eradication quarantine area shall be vaccinated with the fever tick vaccine at intervals prescribed by the commission. The vaccine must be administered when cattle are gathered and presented for annual inspection as required by §41.9 of this chapter (relating to Vacation and Inspection of a Premise) and at other times specified by the commission.
(iv) In addition to any dipping or treatment required by this section, the commission may require fever tick vaccination of beef cattle two months of age and older located within the temporary preventative quarantine area, control purpose quarantine area or other beef cattle or premises epidemiologically determined by the commission to be at an increased risk for fever ticks. The cattle shall be vaccinated at intervals prescribed by the commission.
(3) Herd Plan and Protest. Each premises 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 premises and is required to execute a herd management plan and remain under restrictions until no evidence of fever ticks is disclosed or a complete epidemiologic investigation fails to disclose evidence of exposure to fever ticks, with the concurrence of the DFTE. A person may protest an initial test or a herd plan for each premises classified as increased risk for fever ticks.
(A) To protest, the responsible person must request a meeting, in writing, with the Executive Director of the commission within 15 days of receipt of the herd plan or notice of an initial test and set forth a short, plain statement of the issues that shall be the subject of the protest, after which:
(i) the meeting will be set by the Executive Director no later than 21 days from receipt of the request for a meeting;
(ii) the meeting or meetings shall be held in Austin; and
(iii) the Executive Director shall render his decision in writing within 14 days from date of the meeting.
(B) Upon receipt of a decision or order by the executive director which the herd owner wishes to appeal, the herd owner may file an appeal within 15 days in writing with the Chairman of the commission and set forth a short, plain statement of the issues that shall be the subject of the appeal.
(C) The subsequent hearing will be conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure and Texas Register Act, and Chapter 32 of this title (relating to Hearing and Appeal Procedures).
(D) If the Executive Director determines, based on epidemiological principles, that immediate action is necessary, the Executive Director may shorten the time limits to not less than five days. The herd owner must be provided with written notice of any time limits so shortened.
TRD-201701933
The Texas Animal Health Commission (commission) adopts an amendment to §59.9, concerning Historically Underutilized Business Program, and new §59.13, concerning Posting of Certain Contracts; Enhanced Contract Monitoring, with changes to the proposed text of §59.9 as published in the December 30, 2016, issue of the Texas Register (41 TexReg 10503). The text of §59.9 will be republished.
The new rule implements procedures for contracts for the purchase of goods or services from private vendors.
The purpose of the amendment to §59.9 is to reference the correct rules relating to the Historically Underutilized Business Program. The new rule is adopted in response to Texas Government Code §2261.253 enacted by the 84th Texas Legislature, which requires each state agency by rule to establish a procedure to identify contracts that require enhanced contract or performance monitoring and prescribes certain reporting requirements.
No comments were received regarding the proposal.
The new rule is adopted under Texas Government Code §2261.253, which requires the commission to adopt and enforce rules to implement procedures for contracts for the purchase of goods or services from private vendors and establish a procedure to identify each contract that requires enhanced contract or performance monitoring and submit information on the contract to the agency's governing body.
§59.9.Historically Underutilized Business Program.
The Texas Animal Health Commission adopts by reference the rules of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts in 34 TAC Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter B (relating to Historically Underutilized Business Program).
TRD-201701934