Trich testing and entry requirement rule proposals open for comment

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is now accepting public comments for the proposed amendments concerning official trichomoniasis tests and cattle entry requirements. The following rule amendments were proposed at the TAHC Commission Meeting on May 9, 2017:
Chapter 38, Trichomoniasis, Official Trichomoniasis Tests
The proposed rule would add an additional test to the approved trichomoniasis (trich) tests. The new test would be a Direct Sample qPCR, which is an enhanced testing technology using PCR. Unlike the current PCR test, the qPCR test does not require the sample to be incubated or placed in an lnPouch. The deadline for submitting samples to an approved laboratory remain at 96 hours, but submission of samples within 48 hours is encouraged.
Chapter 51, Entry Requirements, Cattle
The proposed rule would require bulls 12 months or older entering Texas to be tested for trichomoniasis. The amendment would also exempt bulls that are 12 months of age or older from testing if they have received a permit from the TAHC prior to entry and are moved directly to a federally-approved livestock market.
Lastly, the rule would prohibit the entry of female cattle originating from a known trich-positive herd, or exposed to a known trich-positive bull unless the animal is officially identified, obtains a TAHC issued permit, is moved directly to an approved slaughtering establishment, and is accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection stating the animal is trich-exposed.
The deadline for comment submissions on the proposed amendments is June 26, 2017. Complete details of the rule proposals are available on the TAHC website at www.tahc.texas.gov/regs/proposals.html.
The TAHC encourages and appreciates all comments. Comments on the proposed amendment must be submitted in writing to Amanda Bernhard, Texas Animal Health Commission, 2105 Kramer Lane, Austin, Texas 78758, by fax at (512) 719-0719, or by email to [email protected].