[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6469023,"mediaKeyId","5781341-43877b142c13d79eb778f04be82e9ecf","parentId",5781341,"title","TAHC reports RFID tag distribution and e‑CVI progress; works on validation tag agreements for youth programs","audioSeconds",471,"startMs",6817000,"endMs",7288000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781341-43877b142c13d79eb778f04be82e9ecf&start=6817&end=7288","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781341-43877b142c13d79eb778f04be82e9ecf/thumbnail_6817000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6469023/Texas/TAHC-reports-RFID-tag-distribution-and-eCVI-progress-works-on-validation-tag-agreements-for-youth-programs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469023-986e538cb22cd62a53c6150a60007dac/orig.mp4?Expires=1770411976&Signature=cjCP~gQr9FrgaLjRtC-Iz6PCGUm6pS-pNkaWgCaXeQj~GX3XSJENWsry1CkazLMnD9IonnuDazn2tes4YjPQS3wAnqr7Q0ULN~m4e5FkgVIaa8erINALCWdQAfr8FmVLFMtldHu2bqFWrLvc9OhnmNK7Vdyl6Ww3SMfeRe7220SE21b9dkgXcaTBDwPpqqen9hqA78957m7THTqztyDSWBFHwOsgSTsC-A3g0jogaChlxt8IfnSnBzWzghkDfnn6sw9uwQePHcH8wj7JVWT0lbV2aEdCxQ-GCEDBCmzCkk97Ru2~HtOvlZhC1Q14uhsgREW4FPKTKPH8HcWhOk-3zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Animal Health Commission (TAHC)","date","2025-09-18T00:22:09.253Z","article","The Texas Animal Health Commission reported progress on animal disease traceability (ADT) efforts Tuesday, including tag distribution, e‑CVI processing and agreements to recognize validation tags for youth exhibition programs.

ADT and tags: TAHC Senior staff reported that RFID tag distribution in Texas has exceeded 1.8 million tags to date. The agency said requests for free cattle RFID tags have slowed recently but inventory and additional federal allotments are expected. TAHC also said it obtained all available ‘‘nuisance’’ metal clip tags from a USDA Kansas City warehouse and will continue to distribute those for intrastate adult cattle that remain under current intrastate movement rules.

Validation tags and youth programs: Staff said TAHC reached a signed agreement (July 10) with Texas FFA and Texas 4‑H/AgriLife Extension to clarify how validation tags used for youth exhibitions are treated as official identification when requirements are met. The signed document addresses recordkeeping requirements and procedures when an official ID is removed or replaced by a validation tag, which staff said will help exhibitors and improve consistency for interstate exhibition.

CVI and program records: Agency records staff reported that two of three major CVI data backlogs had been resolved and that current workloads remain current. The transition from paper CVIs to electronic CVIs (e‑CVIs) continues and TAHC staff said Texas is among the states keeping C IV queues current for destination routing and traceability. The program emphasized continued outreach to markets and authorized veterinarians to increase use of tag readers (authorized vets in the field now have 268 readers deployed).

Emergency management intersection: Traceability work is being integrated into New World screwworm preparedness: staff said tags and electronic records would be potential tools in an incursion response. The agency continues outreach and training to maintain readiness.

Ending: Staff said they will continue distribution of tags, finalize federal tag allotments, and continue transitioning CVIs to electronic formats to improve traceability and outbreak response speed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","425th Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","TAHC said it has distributed more than 1.8 million RFID tags, is current on most certificates of veterinary inspection backlogs, and finalized an agreement with Texas FFA / 4‑H on validation tag recordkeeping for livestock exhibitions.","taxTitle","Animal Health Commission (TAHC), Departments and Agencies, Executive, Texas","taxId",17095,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6469028,"TAHC highlights veterinary loan repayment funds, trials and arthropod lab funding",311,240000,551000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781341-43877b142c13d79eb778f04be82e9ecf&start=240&end=551","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781341-43877b142c13d79eb778f04be82e9ecf/thumbnail_240000.jpg","/articles/6469028/Texas/TAHC-highlights-veterinary-loan-repayment-funds-trials-and-arthropod-lab-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469028-5b2edf9f37f7dd0c9faab22e00204027/orig.mp4?Expires=1770411976&Signature=cYlfq4hjnT2Rg9MuziWMdY5vpOEgUN6wtNMjaFE~uNvFTXZVo7QGgmNOIg24LUdgYtBzshU7I0qNTu53x4buUeR--3pSA2DjRoVe3B2zfbKFPrTFAOJ1yAfRwo9WbFg7WvTrNJV5GN5qJ5Q1pvMMuno28Ch7j-dMa90WGwiv0cqeVhGPbZa6H0PjswL~l-hLs6pwL5mjVjTOXQ0titWybjF0XLhh847LEi5JBdcoyecFpGL-OwBxFaOlO2~Epj0yPiRJ0RGZ9Gc91VSaR6z16v6YdfJSTlK4IJtamI~MjUxMAQ~55kUJJelkA7rWGpHMGzYK3EyB2w-NDWHy9RqDTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Animal Health Commission reported funding and program updates Tuesday aimed at bolstering veterinary capacity, completing tick treatment trials and establishing a lab for ectoparasite identification.

Executive Director Dr. Dee Dinges and legislative staff summarized recently appropriated funding. Dinges said the state Rural Veterinary Incentive Program (RVIP) received $2.5 million for fiscal 2025 and another $2.5 million for fiscal 2027 from the 89th Legislature, and that the federal Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) award amounts have increased to $40,000 per year with an additional tax‑liability payment option, yielding a larger maximum three‑year award.

Research updates: Dinges reported the ivermectin‑analog (printamactin) cattle fever tick treatment trial was terminated at one site due to handling challenges and was completed at another research station. The project’s data analysis and draft manuscript are under internal review; the principal investigators supported a 56‑day treatment protocol and asked USDA ARS to continue evaluating an 84‑day protocol. Dinges said the commission requested and received an exceptional item of $30,000 in the legislative appropriations to complete stages of the research.

Ectoparasite lab and staffing: Dinges said the 89th Legislature funded an ‘‘Ectoparasite Field Identification Laboratory’’ as an exceptional item. Agency materials presented to commissioners listed roughly $272,550 in startup operating costs for the lab and additional funding to add veterinarian FTEs and salary adjustments. Legislative staff (Juan Oparo) also described appropriations: TAHC was allotted $40.8 million for the 2026–27 biennium in Senate Bill 1, including general revenue and federal funds and several riders to support IT reporting, entry point stations and cattle fever tick mitigation trials.

Federal program notes: Dinges and staff said the federal VMLRP program is paused nationally pending USDA review of funding opportunities; TAHC was awarded eight shortage areas for the 2025 cycle but was advised that USDA funding announcements remain under review. Dinges said TAHC will attend USDA listening sessions.

Ending: Staff said the agency will post new position recruitments for region directors and follow up on lab contracting and research agreements with Texas A&M to complete planned residue studies; commissioners approved related contracting authority during the meeting.","TAHC staff reported state and federal veterinary loan repayment expansions, updates on cattle‑fever tick treatment trials and a new ectoparasite field identification lab funded in the upcoming biennium.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6469033,"Votes at a glance: TAHC meeting Aug. 21, 2025 — minutes, waivers, budget and rule actions approved",6066,54000,6120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781341-43877b142c13d79eb778f04be82e9ecf&start=54&end=6120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781341-43877b142c13d79eb778f04be82e9ecf/thumbnail_54000.jpg","/articles/6469033/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-TAHC-meeting-Aug-21-2025-minutes-waivers-budget-and-rule-actions-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469033-ffbda1cc2dc07060d915f5fae7487e9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770411976&Signature=XmKzOHPEmXC~mbjml~n9cHxfhMWrYz3U34p6bMkAsj1DrpGs6AF8f1C~VkQYAEY8Ba3qGic8i72xR582xSaYGrElH3VUw0euzo10IljhLxl8U~PWhSRzfe6qSTYrL1BbR2552EbvLWPc73~eNljxHvsdFq9G8npb0yCyX1VOGCFjSAQubo7tsMNZy6GRqsxFS7zKFLg1aVxc~0E0qKoYbLd0TDONq6Wf5-pH5fTgpGtO4IjXr-fM9jqq9-4zNeNOcmiDqw6zCF42EuIpBc~d8aZKYtXroZdzdsUFIRhYIbPxboT18ONygqNzLW6~Qh757-pbeQBvSpHtbML14Daofw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its meeting on Aug. 21, 2025 the Texas Animal Health Commission recorded votes on routine administrative business, agency contracts and several rule proposals. Most motions passed unanimously; commissioners also voted to publish proposed rule amendments discussed during the session.

Key votes and outcomes

- Approve absence: The commission unanimously approved the absence of a commissioner (Ken Jordan) by motion and second; the motion passed with no recorded dissent.

- Minutes: Commissioners unanimously approved the minutes of the commission's April 24 meeting.

- Waivers and variances: The commission unanimously approved the slate of waivers and variances presented by staff.

- Budget status report: Commissioners unanimously approved the FY25 budget status report and the proposed FY26 operating budget presentation.

- Contracts: Commissioners unanimously approved contracting authority for a set of FY26 renewals and purchases (including TAMU project and trace/IT enhancements) with a total not‑to‑exceed authority presented of $3,641,052.

- Disciplinary orders: The commission adopted seven disciplinary orders related to rule violations, primarily dairy ID issues; most respondents paid assessed penalties or defaulted at the State Office of Administrative Hearings, and staff recommended adoption of the final orders.

- Rule adoptions and proposals:
• Adopted proposed CWD rule amendments for publication (Chapter 32 and Chapter 40) — commission vote to adopt proposed text and proceed with rulemaking was recorded as approved.
• Adopted amendments to Chapter 51 (entry requirements for AZA accredited facility movements) as published in the Texas Register (June 6, 2025).
• Approved publishing proposed amendments to Chapter 38 (trichomoniasis testing language) for a 30‑day comment period.
• Approved publishing proposed amendments affecting Chapters 45, 51 and 57 to add egg drop syndrome virus to the reportable list and to consolidate/clarify poultry entry requirements; motion passed to publish for a 30‑day comment period.

Recordkeeping notes: Multiple motions were made with a mover and second; roll call votes were recorded for major rule adoptions. When vote tallies were stated, the transcript recorded unanimous passage. Where the transcript did not capture individual yes/no votes, the commission’s clerk recorded the outcome as unanimous.

Ending: The meeting agenda also included reports and presentations (for example, executive director’s program updates and federal USDA program briefings) that did not require separate votes.","The Texas Animal Health Commission recorded a series of unanimous votes on administrative items, rule proposals and contracts during its meeting; commissioners also advanced a set of proposed rule changes for public comment.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6469038,"TAHC moves to publish CWD rule changes after public debate; some stakeholders urge delay",963,6297000,7260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781341-43877b142c13d79eb778f04be82e9ecf&start=6297&end=7260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781341-43877b142c13d79eb778f04be82e9ecf/thumbnail_6297000.jpg","/articles/6469038/Texas/TAHC-moves-to-publish-CWD-rule-changes-after-public-debate-some-stakeholders-urge-delay","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469038-cd9bc8d5d8f944dac926f8391e5b2ed0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770411976&Signature=bDem0yVigaoBu00Mg9HoEzZHkEZ8HD-n3XzhWaNm9IPXUIC45xKMII0TCwespk2pjzY~F9dPMlK4-sNCaVe0S0KxjxYpEvxIVKCPUodVAypDaoWblwqY0SG2y2s4WX5wdEQVCOqb3mLaXM0c8ORmny3vExaqW~XdG2O3bw959gDfCnk85RGqYyA-Cy6MDHleiB0V39ZW6e~pPm-PHcFvM2tjP-yZdtONRMqAOIJOqPmNfOnccXq-98k6nxRgpX6KEzNf~GNtREAtp3qTqrbJ1C00clRgXGGrl~jxn87tNytTixhs2B0NNXQEH1CONc504zxCbHgfTeZsQaAbdIxw7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Animal Health Commission voted to adopt proposed amendments to its chronic wasting disease (CWD) rules, including repeal of participation in the federal CWD Herd Certification Program and changes that give TAHC epidemiologists discretion over issuing hold orders and quarantines.

TAHC General Counsel Janine Cogshaw and veterinary staff presented the rule package and said the revisions are intended to reduce regulatory burden, allow more individualized herd plans and align TAHC practice with current epidemiological guidance. Cogshaw told commissioners the draft removes mandatory ‘‘shall’’ language requiring a quarantine or hold order in every suspect or confirmed case and replaces it with discretionary authority for agency epidemiologists to tailor responses to herd‑level risk.

The change prompted extended public comment. Andrew Earl of the Texas Wildlife Association said the proposed change ‘‘making the issuing of holdovers on CWD positive facilities optional for the Animal Health Commission is an unnecessary and irresponsible change that puts the native and exotic wildlife of our state at risk.’’ Jenny Sanders, a landowner and conservation contractor, urged the commission to ‘‘pump the brakes’’ on the hold‑order amendments and to delay changes that could weaken coordination with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Other speakers echoed concerns about weakening movement controls: Matt Wagner of the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society asked the commission to delay the proposal and said the change could create gaps in authority. Walter Martin, a landowner near positive breeding facilities, said the revisions could ‘‘allow for more egregious behavior’’ if enforcement is reduced. Former TPWD manager Mitch Lockwood supported ending the federal herd certification program but warned that TAHC must preserve effective cooperation with TPWD when issuing quarantines and herd plans.

TAHC staff defended the package in response. Cogshaw said withdrawal from the federal program would free the state from federal program standards that require a uniform five‑year trace and limited herd plan options. She said staff seeks to ‘‘allow for more individualized herd plans rather than those USDA‑only approved templates’’ and to reduce testing burdens for exotic producers. Veterinary epidemiologists said the rules retain the commission’s authority to act and would not block TPWD’s statutory authority to restrict movement of native wildlife.

Commission action: After public comment the commission voted to adopt the proposed rules as published in the Texas Register (June 6, 2025) to proceed with the rulemaking process. Commissioners recorded unanimous support in the roll call vote to adopt the proposed rules for publication and comment.

What happens next: Adoption of the proposed rules sends the amendments forward in the administrative process for final adoption or further revision following any required comment period and internal rulemaking steps. TAHC staff said the changes are intended to streamline responses in Texas and to permit staff to tailor epidemiological responses to the specific risks of each herd case.

Ending: Stakeholders for and against the changes urged continued coordination between TAHC and TPWD; several asked for statutory clarity that was not passed in this year’s legislature. The commission’s vote to adopt the proposed text starts the formal rulemaking steps that could lead to final rule changes.","The Texas Animal Health Commission voted to adopt proposed changes to chronic wasting disease rules and to withdraw from the federal herd certification program; the move prompted multiple public commenters — landowners, conservation and hunting groups — to urge retaining mandatory hold‑order authority or delaying the change.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":81,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6469043,"TAHC, USDA ramp up New World screwworm surveillance and sterile‑fly production plans",614,1165000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781341-43877b142c13d79eb778f04be82e9ecf&start=551&end=1165","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781341-43877b142c13d79eb778f04be82e9ecf/thumbnail_551000.jpg","/articles/6469043/Texas/TAHC-USDA-ramp-up-New-World-screwworm-surveillance-and-sterilefly-production-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469043-3b7a3c03f7be986d29cff636ee0bae63/orig.mp4?Expires=1770411976&Signature=VZuFyyNDkJREUOf64X4F1UuX7bHNIm-tLzWP0HtzLGZSckXPNziyoiNIhCIcN0sOS~o3-KhO7SRT8wwI-q3TCAVbyDeXj4xRfAZCW6JEwTCG0Z50DNPRYQZAT55eBVGFEYR1cHvhnZK9fmTrhWnkXqeACsPNd1U~xkGCiBegfIlCM2PFj6pZ2UI~d4nmm2CoIEA3TPdqbhaCo9owyuqTvr04prXrRWt9DQAu2A3GIASACYAJZ6fERLZaHRxnZiA3n~sSuv3ypG8KrqPIfp2CCU0duQrpNtHEThjzUsN2340UJZdY1Uf7C2R-rXjIIMvtmaL0cs~zydN2yMZI8pCe-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and federal partners described expanded trapping, training and planning Tuesday as part of a stepped‑up response to the risk of New World screwworm moving north from Mexico.

‘‘The USDA will construct the sterile fly production facility in Edinburg . . . with the capacity of producing up to 300,000,000 sterile flies per week,’’ TAHC Executive Director Dr. Dee Dinges told commissioners, summarizing announcements by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and agency officials. Dinges said USDA had allocated hundreds of millions of dollars for both domestic sterile insect production and innovation funds to support surveillance and response tools.

Why it matters: New World screwworm is an animal health emergency for livestock and wildlife; early detection and the ability to deploy sterile insect technique at scale are central to preventing establishment in U.S. livestock herds. TAHC staff said federal investment and state planning are intended to keep the pest south of the border and to provide rapid response capability if detections occur.

Most important facts: Dinges said USDA announced a plan that includes a domestic sterile‑fly production facility at Moore Field Airbase in Edinburg and earlier investments to renovate an existing facility in Mexico. She summarized multiple USDA steps: border protection, international cooperation with Mexico, a $750 million investment for a U.S. facility and an allocation of $100 million for innovations, including traps, lures and therapeutics. Texas has deployed field surveillance: TAHC and USDA began proactive trapping along the Rio Grande and, as Dinges reported, ‘‘we have 101 sterile New World screwworm fly traps deployed in 8 counties from Brownsville up to Del Rio.’’

TAHC described preparedness and training already under way. Dinges said the commission’s Emergency Management team and field staff have completed multiple response trainings and that 76 of 110 livestock inspectors had finished a two‑day field response course. USDA veterinary services staff said a national Southwest strike team and similar trainings in Florida have expanded the pool of responders and that more than 5,600 suspect flies had been submitted from trapping to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories for identification (no New World screwworm positives were reported).

TAHC and USDA officials described collaborative policy work: a multi‑agency workshop and a set of working groups are drafting a ‘‘New World Screwworm Response Playbook’’ that will define coordination, premises management and sterile insect deployment, among other areas. Dinges listed nine key playbook topics including coordination, elimination on infested premises, wildlife management, surveillance and sterile insect technique, continuity of business and communications.

What officials told commissioners: USDA veterinary officials told the commission that additional tag and sample kits have been distributed and that the department continues outreach to industry and the public. Dinges emphasized continued weekly coordination calls with federal, state and industry partners, and that the Governor’s multi‑disciplinary team is being coordinated to align response across relevant agencies.

Notable caveats and next steps: Commissioners and staff emphasized that surveillance will continue and that work remains to finalize the response playbook and to stand up the proposed domestic sterile insect facility. Officials said no action was taken at the meeting beyond continuing operational and planning work.

Ending: TAHC staff said they will continue to brief commissioners as the USDA playbook, trap surveillance results and federal investments develop; no domestic detections were reported to the commission at the meeting.","Texas Animal Health Commission staff and federal partners described expanded surveillance, training and a multi‑hundred million‑dollar USDA plan to build sterile‑fly production capacity as part of a regional response to New World screwworm risk from Mexico.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

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Votes at a glance: TAHC meeting Aug. 21, 2025 — minutes, waivers, budget and rule actions approved

TAHC moves to publish CWD rule changes after public debate; some stakeholders urge delay

TAHC, USDA ramp up New World screwworm surveillance and sterile‑fly production plans