The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) proposed several changes regarding trichomoniasis (trich) testing, herd certification and entry requirements for cattle.
Trich can reduce calving rates in cow-calf herds. It is estimated that 20 percent of the 150,000 beef herds in Texas have some degree of trich infection in any year, according to an agency release.
Open for public comment through July 7 are four proposed trich testing and herd certification amendments. Those proposals are:
• Add testing requirements for herd of origin when a bull from the herd is sold and subsequently found to be infected with Trich.
• Require testing when a bull is separated from its unit of origin and that bull is found to be infected with Trich. Under the proposal, the pasture (unit) of origin, and pasture where the stray Trich bull was located will both be placed under hold order, and any additional bulls located there must be tested for Trich.
• Allow TAHC to evaluate the effectiveness of a herd control plan for an infected herd leading to the possible continuation or disapproval of the herd plan based on the progress or lack of progress made in controlling the disease within the herd.
• Require herds enrolled in the Trich Herd Certification Program to have perimeter fences that are adequate to prevent the ingress or egress of cattle.
Also, TAHC proposed a new rule relating to entry requirements for cattle, adding new testing exemptions for out of state bulls enrolled in a Texas bull test station trail and for out of state bulls originating from approved certified Trich Free Herd program. A detailed explanation of the rule proposal will be available on Friday, June 20 on the TAHC website. A public comment period will begin at that time and end July 21.