Texas Livestock Officials Accommodating Emergency Entry of Hurricane-Evacuated Livestock

News Release
Texas Animal Health Commission
Box l2966 * Austin, Texas 78711 * (800) 550-8242 * FAX (512) 719-0719
Bob Hillman, DVM * Executive Director
For info, contact Carla Everett, information officer, at 1-800-550-8242, ext. 710,
or ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us

For immediate release:

Texas’ livestock health officials are working to accommodate the evacuation of livestock from Louisiana and Mississippi, displaced due to Hurricane Katrina. The TAHC will allow livestock from these states to enter Texas without the usually required health documents, provided the owners or shippers alert the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) prior to crossing the state line.

Owners and shippers from Louisiana and Mississippi are asked to call the TAHC 24-hour number at 1-800-550-8242 and provide information regarding the species, numbers and destination of the animals. A permit number will be issued to the caller, and TAHC field personnel will follow up to verify the arrival of the animals and to address any pertinent restriction or test requirements. As part of its emergency management effort, the TAHC also maintains a list of facilities, farm or stables, whose owners have volunteered to provide temporary shelter for livestock. Callers who need a referral to a site should call the TAHC number and leave a message for the regulatory veterinarian on call.

Dairy cattle evacuated to Texas without a cattle tuberculosis (TB) test must be isolated from other cattle and meet entry requirements upon arrival.
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