Commission approves rule changes for livestock exhibitions, adopts cattle-fever tick dosing update and clears agency budget and contracts

The Texas Animal Health Commission took several formal actions and votes during its March 3 meeting, approving rule changes for livestock exhibitions, adopting a technical update to cattle fever tick treatment rules, and approving administrative business including the budget status report and purchases.

Exhibition rules (chapter 51): the commission voted to publish proposed amendments to chapter 51 — specifically revising the show/exhibition entry rules — and opened a 30-day public comment period. Under the adopted proposal for publication, the rules would eliminate a formal distinction between “interstate” and “intrastate” shows for Texas-origin animals and instead require show sponsors to maintain participant records for one year and provide them on request to the commission for tracing purposes. Out-of-state participants would still be required to meet entry requirements (CVI/tests) applicable to their status; Texas-origin exhibitors at the same show would not be required to obtain a separate CVI solely because an out-of-state exhibitor attended. The motion to publish the proposed rule was adopted by roll-call vote (motion passed 9–1).

Cattle fever tick dosing (chapter 41): the commission adopted an amendment to chapter 41 that updates the recommended doramectin treatment schedule and slaughter withholding guidelines. The adopted language changes a dosing schedule from “25 to 28 days” to “21 to 28 days” of duration and modifies the extended slaughter-withholding period to be determined in consultation with USDA and VDL (Texas A&M Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory). There were no adverse written comments filed during the 30-day public-comment period and staff recommended adoption; the commission approved the amendment by voice vote.

Budget, contracts and audit: commissioners approved the agency's budget status report as presented, accepted the audit subcommittee report, and voted to approve several contract and purchase items (including laptop refresh, portable spray boxes, fleet equipment and other purchases) as listed on the agenda. The budget and contracts motions passed unanimously.

Petitions and regulatory process: the commission considered two petitions for rulemaking related to exhibitions. One petition (to ease CVI requirements for Texas-origin exhibitors at in-state jackpot shows) was granted for publication as noted above. A second petition asking the commission to exempt exhibition poultry returning to Texas from CVI and permits was denied; commissioners instead approved a staff study and requested additional analysis and recommendations at future rulemaking meetings.

Enforcement and compliance orders: the commission also adopted a final order in a contested enforcement case (a second offense for movement of cattle without official identification) following an administrative-law-judge recommendation; the final order imposed a $200 administrative penalty. In a separate action, commissioners approved multiple agreed final orders and administrative penalties in eleven other compliance matters (EIA, records, movement and dealer-record violations) as presented in staff materials.

Why it matters: the exhibition rule change aims to reduce paperwork burdens for Texas exhibitors while preserving traceability through show records; the chapter 41 technical changes reflect updated treatment science for cattle fever tick control. The budget and contract approvals support agency operations, and enforcement orders show continued regulatory oversight.

Actions at a glance: - Publish proposed amendments to chapter 51 (show/exhibition rules) for 30-day comment — motion adopted (roll-call 9–1). - Adopt amendment to chapter 41 (doramectin dosing/withholding) — adopted unanimously. - Approve budget status report — adopted unanimously. - Approve listed contracts and purchases — adopted unanimously. - Deny petition to exempt returning exhibition poultry from CVI; request staff study — motion to study adopted unanimously. - Adopt final order in contested enforcement case (second ID violation) imposing $200 penalty; approve 11 other agreed orders — adopted unanimously.

Commission staff said they will publish the proposed chapter 51 text for comment and bring back any public comment and recommended final rules at a later meeting.