New exotic CWD susceptible species rules now in effect

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) adopted amendments to §40.5 of the Texas Administrative Code to add surveillance, movement reporting, identification, and mortality record keeping requirements for exotic chronic wasting disease (CWD) susceptible species at the regularly scheduled meeting on May 9, 2017, in Austin.
CWD in white-tailed deer and mule deer has been documented in different geographic locations in Texas, which puts other CWD susceptible species at risk for CWD exposure and infection. Statewide surveillance is a critical component to early detection of CWD in exotic susceptible species.
Movement Reporting and Identification Requirements
The adopted movement reporting and identification rule requires owners to keep herd records, estimated annual inventory and mortality records if they move or sell exotic CWD susceptible species located within a high fence premises. The estimated annual inventory and mortality records must be submitted on or before April 1 of every year to the TAHC Central Office.
The rule also requires the owner of live exotic CWD susceptible species being moved or transported within the state to obtain a Premises Identification Number (PIN). To obtain a PIN, contact the TAHC Animal Disease Traceability department at 1-800-550-8242 ext. 733.
Surveillance Requirements
The adopted surveillance rule requires a total of three eligible mortalities to be CWD tested and valid test results submitted to your local TAHC region office on or by April 1 of every year. Eligible mortalities include hunter-harvested exotic CWD susceptible species or natural mortalities that occur on the premises. This requirement applies to all high and low fenced premises where exotic CWD susceptible species are located and is not dependent on movement.
Mortality Record Keeping
The adopted mortality record keeping rule states that the owner of a premises where an eligible mortality occurs must maintain a mortality record. The mortality record must be submitted to the TAHC central office on or by April 1 of every year.
Testing Requirements & Test Result Reporting
The rules for testing exotic CWD susceptible species state that all CWD test samples be collected by a state or federal animal health official, accredited veterinarian, or a certified CWD postmortem sample collector; and the samples must be submitted to an official laboratory for all eligible mortalities. The owner must report all test results to their TAHC region office within 30 days of receiving the results.
For a list of accredited veterinarians, click or tap here.
For a list of certified CWD postmortem sample collectors, click or tap here.
Dealer Requirements
Any person engaged in the business of buying or selling exotic CWD susceptible species in commerce must maintain records for all exotic CWD susceptible species transported within the state or where there is a transfer of ownership, and provide these to TAHC personnel upon request. The records must be maintained for not less than five years.
Exotic CWD Susceptible Species Forms
TAHC provides forms to help exotic CWD susceptible species property owners and dealers keep required documentation.
• Mortality Record Form: http://www.tahc.texas.gov/animal_health/elk-deer/17- 10_ExoticCWDSusceptibleSpeciesMortalityRecord.pdf
• Inventory Form: http://www.tahc.texas.gov/animal_health/elk-deer/13- 06_ExoticCWDSusceptibleSpeciesInventory.pdf
• Movement Record Form: http://www.tahc.texas.gov/animal_health/elk-deer/13- 05_ExoticCWDSusceptibleSpeciesMovementRecord.pdf
All forms and resources are posted on the TAHC website. For information concerning native cervid species, click or tap here.
Source: Texas Animal Health Commission