The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (USDA-CFTEP) have released the Control Purpose Quarantine Area (CPQA) in Live Oak County and a portion of the Hidalgo County CPQA. These releases rescind all movement restrictions, inspections and quarantine related treatment requirements for livestock and wildlife in the areas.

“This is an indication of the significant advancement we are making in our fight to eradicate cattle fever ticks outside of the permanent quarantine zone,” said Dr. Andy Schwartz, TAHC executive director. “TAHC is very appreciative of the effort put forth by landowners, cattlemen, hunters and county officials. This cooperation is key to the success of this program.”

Live Oak County quarantine release comes after two years of systematic treatment and inspections. The Live Oak County CPQA was established by TAHC and USDA-CFTEP after a tick-infested bull was discovered on Nov. 28, 2016. Cattle fever ticks were found on livestock on a total of nine premises in the area.

On Dec. 6, 2018, a portion of the Hidalgo County CPQA was released after systematic treatment and inspections found the area to be free of cattle fever ticks.

Portions of eight Texas counties remain under cattle fever tick quarantines. Counties include Cameron, Hidalgo, Kinney, Maverick, Starr, Webb, Willacy and Zapata

For more information, visit www.tahc.texas.gov/animal_health/cattle/#ticks.

Source: Texas Animal Health Commission