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Commission broadens special take authorizations to improve disease response
Summary
Amendments expand the scope of special take authorizations for disease management, allowing staff to set means and methods, reporting and carcass disposition in authorizations to address wildlife disease threats including chronic wasting disease and potential re‑emergence of screwworm.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted amendments to rules governing special take authorizations used for wildlife disease diagnosis and management.
Kory Gann, big game program director, said the changes formalize staff authority to set the methods of take, sampling, reporting and carcass disposition inside each authorization so responses can be tailored to situations such as chronic wasting disease surveillance or rapid responses to emerging pests like New World screwworm. The proposal narrows use to non‑federally regulated wildlife with take restrictions under statutory authority and preserves the requirement that authorizations be approved prior to issuance.
Gann said the changes align special take authorizations with other permits (like scientific research permits) where conditions are set case by case. Public comment was mixed but included supportive statements from agricultural and animal‑health stakeholders who said preauthorization and flexible tools are essential to respond quickly to incursions. A speaker representing agricultural interests urged the commission to provide tools to landowners and the department for surveillance and removal of infested animals.
The commission approved the amendments; staff said authorizations will continue to require prior approval and authorization text will specify reporting and diagnostic obligations. The rule changes will appear in Title 31 and be implemented under the department’s disease‑response procedures.
