In June 2002, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) cancelled Texas' "Accredited-Free" status for cattle tuberculosis (TB) eradication program because two of the state's estimated 153,000 cattle herds have been diagnosed with the disease since summer 2001.  An infected beef cattle herd was found in south central Texas in summer 2001, and a combination beef and dairy operation in west Texas was detected in fall 2001. The infected herds have been depopulated.

Texas initially earned TB-free status in November 2000, with the exception of portions of El Paso and Hudspeth Counties, which had been "zoned out," due to recurring cases of the bacterial infection that can cause cattle to develop internal lesions.  (Producers in El Paso and Hudspeth Counties move livestock under similar regulations. This zone will remain separate from the rest of Texas for cattle TB eradication and animal movement.)

The requirements discussed in this report apply to all other Texas counties and will be in force until Texas can regain Accredited-Free status, after two consecutive years without infection and an official USDA TB review.

The downgrade to Modified Accredited Advanced is effective immediately and requires additional surveillance on Texas cattle moved across state lines.

Q. What species of animals are affected by the change in cattle TB status?
A. Only cattle and bison moving interstate will be affected.  Other species of animals, such as deer and elk, have their own requirements.

Q. What's different for moving cattle?
A. Texas cattle can move freely within the state (intrastate) with no
restrictions.

However, cattle intended for breeding purposes must have a negative TB test within 60 days OR originate from a TB accredited-free herd before being transported out of the state (interstate).  These include weaned heifers intended for use as breeding stock, bred heifers, cows and bulls.  USDA accredited, private veterinary practitioners can conduct the TB test and apply an official ear tag that identifies the animal as being tested.

Brucellosis ear tags can be used as official identification. Purebred cattle may be identified with a firebrand or tattoo as long as this permanent identification is recorded in the breed registry.

Q. Are there any exceptions to testing breeding cattle?
A. Yes.  Exceptions are:
  1. Nursing calves that are moving with a TB test-negative dam don't need a test.  If the pair is split, however, the calf must be
tested and officially identified.
  2. Cattle of any age or sex that are moving directly to slaughter do not need a test and may move on a waybill either from a farm of origin or from a livestock market.
  3. Cattle originating from a TB accredited-free herd.  (To obtain information about this annual testing program, call the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242 and ask for Program Records.)

Q. What's involved, and how long does it take to get the cattle TB tested?
A. To conduct a TB skin test on cattle, an accredited veterinarian injects a tiny amount of tuberculin into the animal's skin near its tail, in an area called the "caudal fold."  The veterinarian must examine the injection site 72 hours later for a reaction, such as swelling, that might indicate the animal has been exposed to cattle TB.  If the animals in the consignment test negative for TB, the veterinarian will issue a document, on which will be recorded the test results and each animal's official eartag or registration marking.

The private practitioners obtain their tuberculin from the State-Federal Laboratory in Austin, and the paperwork and ear tags from the USDA, also in Austin. Producers are responsible for paying the private practitioner to conduct the test.

Q.What if the caudal fold test is positive?
A.  About 1 percent of the "caudal fold" tests will be positive and is to be expected, as there can be "false-positives."

If swelling, thickening or a lump is seen at the site of the "caudal fold" test, a second skin test must be run on the animal's neck by a state or federal veterinarian.  This test must be run within 10 days of the caudal fold test, so regulatory veterinarians should be notified as quickly as possible.  This test also requires a 72-hour waiting period from injection to examination.

If the animal tests negative on the second skin test, called a "comparative cervical test," the animal is free to move.

A response on the "comparative cervical" test, however, is a strong
indication the animal may have cattle TB.  The animal must be slaughtered and its carcass carefully examined for internal TB lesions.  Tissue samples are collected and forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, for laboratory confirmation.

There's no charge for the "comparative cervical test" by a regulatory veterinarian, or for lab tests. Indemnity currently is available for animals that must be slaughtered for examination.

Q.  What about taking Texas cattle to the livestock market?
A. Texas breeding cattle are free to move anywhere in Texas without restriction, but they could be worth more and could move across state lines freely, if they have been TB tested PRIOR to hauling them to the livestock market, or if you maintain a TB accredited-free herd.  Don't forget to carry the test charts or TB accredited-free documentation to the auction barn, as the buyers will need proof of testing to move Texas breeding animals across state lines without restriction!

(Texas is not yet cattle brucellosis-free, so breeding cattle must be tested for "Bangs" prior to sale, if they're not from a certified-free herd.  Testing is provided at the livestock market, or producers are to bring test documents, if the cattle were tested before being hauled to market.)

If they're not tested for TB or do not originate from a TB accredited-free herd, movement of Texas breeding cattle will be restricted to:
   1.  in-state movement,
   2.  transport directly to slaughter in another state,
   3.  the market or another holding site in Texas until they are tested for movement out of state.

Q. What will happen at the auction?
A. Livestock market operators, particularly those on the state lines, will probably choose to separate breeding cattle into two categories at the auction:
1. Cattle from a TB-free state, Texas cattle that have tested negative for TB, or are from a TB accredited-free herd can move freely.
(Only Texas and Michigan are not TB Accredited-Free.)
2. Untested Texas breeding cattle.

Buyers who ship out of state from Texas can buy anything as long as their cattle are consigned directly to slaughter.  Buyers who don't ship out of Texas won't be affected by Texas' cattle TB status.

Q. What about cattle being moved across Texas that need a rest stop?
A. Cattle shipped through Texas may be off-loaded for a rest stop. If these animals are not commingled with untested Texas cattle, they won't be restricted.

Q. Are there additional TB restrictions for Texas breeding cattle?
A. States that receive Texas cattle may choose to place additional restrictions or testing requirements on Texas cattle. As of June 6, 2002, there were no additional state-imposed restrictions.

Q. What about feeders--steers, cutter bulls, feeder heifers or spayed heifers?
A. After January 1, 2003, USDA (federal) regulations for feeder cattle will become effective. (The rules for feeder cattle were delayed, to give Texas time to prepare.) Some states, including Oklahoma, however, may not honor this delay.  Check with the state of destination prior to moving feeder animals!

After January 1, 2003

Feeder steers and spayed heifers moving out of Texas must be officially
identified and can move to an approved feedlot.

Federal regulations also require that sexually intact feeder heifers being moved interstate for grazing be officially identified and must have a negative TB test within 60 days prior to movement.   Feeder heifers moved to an approved feedlot are exempt from testing requirements.   More detailed information about the 2003 requirements for feeder cattle will be forthcoming.

Special note: Oklahoma producers that import cattle from Texas are encouraged to visit with their local veterinarian about current restrictions that may apply to them.  Producers planning to import feeder cattle should especially continue to inquire about the latest status of the requirements for movement from Texas to Oklahoma.