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

Summary

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.

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…

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

Summary

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