Brucellosis testing at livestock markets ending

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has announced that effective August 1, 2011, government subsidized Brucellosis testing at all Texas livestock markets will be discontinued, due to a lack of funding available to pay for future testing. The TAHC will no longer enforce the requirement that all test eligible (adult) cattle be Brucellosis tested for a change of ownership within Texas.

After diligently working to eradicate Brucellosis "Bangs" from cattle for almost 50 years, on February 1, 2008, the USDA declared Texas Brucellosis free. “The discontinuation of brucellosis testing will not affect Texas’ Brucellosis-free state status,” Dr. Dee Ellis, State Veterinarian, said. “We remind Texas producers, marketers and veterinarians however, that maintaining a Brucellosis-free Texas requires constant awareness and vigilance. Although the TAHC will no longer enforce the requirement for Brucellosis testing of adult cattle, cattle producers are encouraged to discuss the issue with their veterinary practitioner prior to purchasing replacement cattle,” Ellis said.

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease of cattle that can cause abortions, weak calves and low milk production. Humans can also catch brucellosis (undulant fever) most commonly by consuming unpasteurized milk products or handling contaminated birthing material when assisting with difficult calving situations in infected cows.

For questions or concerns regarding the termination of Brucellosis testing at livestock markets, please contact your local region office. Contact information for regional TAHC offices are as follows:
Region 1 (Amarillo, TX) Phone: 806-354-9335 Region Director: Dr. Brad Williams Supervising Inspector: Bob Young

Region 5 (Beeville, TX)
Phone: 361-358-3234
Regional Director: Dr. James Lenarduzzi
Supervising Inspector: Howard Helmers

Region 2 (Hempstead, TX)
Phone: 979-921-9481
Regional Director: Dr. Mark Michalke
Supervising Inspector: Dwayne Easley

Region 6 (Lampasas, TX)
Phone: 512-556-6277
Region Director: Dr. Pete Fincher Supervising Inspector: James R. Dickison

Region 3 (Fort Worth, TX)
Phone: 817-244-2597 Region Director: Dr. Max Dow Supervising Inspector: Bobby Crozier
Region 7 (Rockdale, TX)
Phone: 512-446-2507
Regional Director: Dr. Tommy Barton
Supervising Inspector: Russell Iselt

Region 4 (Mt. Pleasant, TX)
Phone: 903-572-1966
Regional Director: Dr. Greg Hawkins
Supervising Inspector: Chip Nicholson