TAHC to Discontinue Brucellosis Testing at Markets

AUSTIN – The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has announced that effective August 1, 2011, government subsidized Brucellosis testing at all Texas livestock markets will be discontinued, due to a lack of funding available to pay for future testing. The TAHC will no longer enforce the requirement that all test eligible (adult) cattle be Brucellosis tested for a change of ownership within Texas.

After diligently working to eradicate Brucellosis “Bangs” from cattle for almost 50 years, on February 1, 2008, the USDA declared Texas Brucellosis free. “The discontinuation of brucellosis testing will not affect Texas’ Brucellosis-free state status,” Dr. Dee Ellis, State Veterinarian, said. “We remind Texas producers, marketers and veterinarians however, that maintaining a Brucellosis-free Texas requires constant awareness and vigilance. Although the TAHC will no longer enforce the requirement for Brucellosis testing of adult cattle, cattle producers are encouraged to discuss the issue with their veterinary practitioner prior to purchasing replacement cattle,” Ellis said.

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease of cattle that can cause abortions, weak calves and low milk production. Humans can also catch brucellosis (undulant fever) most commonly by consuming unpasteurized milk products or handling contaminated birthing material when assisting with difficult calving situations in infected cows.

For questions or concerns regarding the termination of Brucellosis testing at livestock markets, please contact your local region office. Contact information for regional TAHC offices can be found at www.tahc.state.tx.us or below.

Region 1 (Amarillo, TX)

Phone: 806-354-9335

Region Director: Dr. Brad Williams

Supervising Inspector: Bob Young

Region 2 (Hempstead, TX)

Phone: 979-921-9481

Regional Director: Dr. Mark Michalke

Supervising Inspector: Dwayne Easley

Region 3 (Fort Worth, TX)

Phone: 817-244-2597

Region Director: Dr. Max Dow

Supervising Inspector: Bobby Crozier

Region 4 (Mt. Pleasant, TX)

Phone: 903-572-1966

Regional Director: Dr. Greg Hawkins

Supervising Inspector: Chip Nicholson

Region 5 (Beeville, TX)

Phone: 361-358-3234

Regional Director: Dr. James Lenarduzzi

Supervising Inspector: Howard Helmers

Region 6 (Lampasas, TX)

Phone: 512-556-6277

Region Director: Dr. Pete Fincher

Supervising Inspector: James R. Dickison

Region 7 (Rockdale, TX)

Phone: 512-446-2507

Regional Director: Dr. Tommy Barton

Supervising Inspector: Russell Iselt

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Yvonne “Bonnie” Ramirez

Director of Public Information (Texas Animal Health Commission)

“Serving Texas Animal Agriculture Since 1893”

2105 Kramer Lane     Austin, Texas 78758

Office?512.719.0710 Email?bonnie.ramirez@tahc.state.tx.us Web?http://www.tahc.state.tx.us

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