By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Texas cattle fever ticks are still crawling across parts of the state, and the tools used to fight their expansion still face an uncertain future.

In late July, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) temporarily suspended the use of spray dip machines, also known as spray boxes, which apply the insecticide coumaphos.

The product effectively kills fever ticks and prevents the pest from further spreading outside quarantine zones.

After meeting with industry representatives, TDA extended the use of spray boxes for 45 days to allow state and federal regulators time to review their program and evaluate concerns about interpretation of a ventilation label restriction.

Ahead of the extension deadline, TDA proposed a state rule clarifying the restricted-use product, which includes the active ingredient coumaphos, be applied in a ventilated area.

Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until Nov. 30.

“The modern fever tick program tools have been in use for decades and spray boxes have been an important part the entire time,” Tracy Tomascik, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “Texas Farm Bureau policy is supportive of the eradication program, and we hope that a resolution on this matter can be reached quickly.”

TDA committed to continue the use of spray boxes until the end of the comment period and has communicated it expects no possible changes to come until 2019.