The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) held its 425th Commission Meeting on September 18, 2025, where significant decisions were made regarding budget approvals and agency contracts that will impact animal health management in the state.

The meeting commenced with the unanimous approval of the budget status report, setting a positive tone for the discussions ahead. The commission then moved to consider various agency contracts for the upcoming fiscal year 2026. Among the key contracts discussed were a project with Texas A&M University, which is budgeted at $146,561, and enhancements to the NADCREP E permit system, costing $117,275. Additionally, the commission sought permission to allocate $1.2 million for Workplace Bagels and approved a budget of $359,000 for internal auditing services. Overall, the total budget request for fiscal year 2026 was capped at $3,641,052, which was also approved unanimously.

In another critical segment of the meeting, the commission reviewed seven disciplinary orders related to rule violations, primarily concerning dairy identification issues. The orders included penalties for non-compliance with entry requirements and trip regulations. The commission approved these final orders, reinforcing the importance of adherence to established rules within the industry.

The meeting also addressed proposed rules related to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), indicating ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate this serious animal health concern. The commission is actively engaging in rule-making processes to ensure the health and safety of livestock across Texas.

These decisions reflect the TAHC's commitment to maintaining high standards in animal health and regulatory compliance, which are essential for the welfare of the state's agricultural community. As the commission moves forward, stakeholders can expect continued focus on effective management practices and regulatory oversight in the animal health sector.