TITLE 4. AGRICULTURE

PART 2. TEXAS ANIMAL HEALTH COMMISSION

CHAPTER 40. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE

4 TAC §40.6

The Texas Animal Health Commission (commission) proposes amendments to Title 4, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 40 titled "Chronic Wasting Disease." Specifically, amendments are proposed to §40.6 CWD Movement Restriction Zones.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

The purpose of this chapter is to prevent and control the incidence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Texas by seeking to reduce the risk of interstate and intrastate transmission of CWD in susceptible cervid species. The commission proposes amendments to §40.6 to modify existing movement restriction zones to provided targeted surveillance and reduce the risk of CWD being spread from areas where it may exist.

CWD is a degenerative and fatal neurological communicable disease recognized by the veterinary profession that affects susceptible cervid species. CWD poses a serious threat to livestock and exotic livestock that the commission is charged with protecting. CWD can spread through natural movements of infected animals and transportation of live infected animals or carcass parts. Specifically, prions are shed from infected animals in saliva, urine, blood, soft‑antler material, feces, or from animal decomposition, which ultimately contaminates the environment in which CWD susceptible species live. CWD has a long incubation period, so animals infected with CWD may not exhibit clinical signs of the disease for months or years after infection. The disease can be passed through contaminated environmental conditions and may persist for a long period of time. Currently, no vaccine or treatment for CWD exists.

To mitigate the risks and spread of CWD, the commission works in coordination and collaboration with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to address CWD. The commission has jurisdiction over exotic CWD susceptible species. TPWD has jurisdiction over mule deer, white‑tailed deer, and other native species. Those native species are classified as property of the State of Texas and managed as state resources. TPWD, under specific statutory authorization, allows herd owners to breed, trade, sell, and move white‑tailed or mule deer that meet certain TPWD requirements.

The purpose of the movement restriction zones is to both increase surveillance and reduce the risk of CWD being spread from areas where it may exist. As required by §40.6(g), the commission reviewed the movement restriction zones and recommends the modifications as stated herein. The proposed amendments modify the boundaries of some existing zones and creates new zones to improve and implement surveillance efforts as part of the agency's effort to manage CWD.

SECTION‑BY‑SECTION DISCUSSION

§40.6 CWD Movement Restriction Zones

The proposed amendment to §40.6(b)(1)(I) would add a new containment zone in Coleman County in response to the detection of CWD in a free‑range white‑tailed deer in that county.

The proposed amendment to §40.6(b)(2)(V) would add a new surveillance zone in Brooks County in response to the detection of CWD in a deer breeding facility in that county.

The proposed amendment to §40.6(b)(2)(W) would add a new surveillance zone in Kimble County in response to the detection of CWD in a deer breeding facility in that county.

The proposed amendment to §40.6(b)(2)(X) would add a new surveillance zone in Medina County in response to the detection of CWD in a deer breeding facility in that county.

The proposed amendment to §40.6(b)(2)(Y) would add a new surveillance zone in Cherokee County in response to the detection of CWD in a deer breeding facility in that county.

The proposed amendment to §40.6(b)(2)(Z) would add a new surveillance zone in Coleman and Brown Counties in response to the detection of CWD in a white-tailed deer in Coleman County.

FISCAL NOTE

Ms. Jeanine Coggeshall, General Counsel of the Texas Animal Health Commission, determined for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, there are no estimated additional costs or reductions in costs to state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed rules. Commission employees will administer and enforce these rules as part of their regular job duties and resources. Ms. Coggeshall also determined for the same period that there is no estimated increase or loss in revenue to the state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed rules and the proposed rules do not have foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state governments.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

Ms. Coggeshall determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed rules are in effect, the anticipated public benefits will be the protection of CWD susceptible species by increasing the probability of detecting CWD in areas of the state where it is confirmed or likely to be detected and by reducing the inadvertent movement of the disease from those areas.

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENT

The commission determined that the proposed rules will not impact local economies and, therefore, did not file a request for a local employment impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission.

MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL RULE

The commission determined that Texas Government Code §2001.0225 does not apply to the proposed rules because the specific intent of these rules is not primarily to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure, and therefore, is not a major environmental rule.

TAKINGS ASSESSMENT

The commission determined that the proposal does not restrict, limit, or impose a burden on an owner's rights to his or her private real property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action. Therefore, the proposed rules are compliant with the Private Real Property Preservation Act in Texas Government Code §2007.043 and do not constitute a taking.

ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT

The commission determined that the proposed amendments to §40.6 may impact animal agricultural industries, which meet the definition of a small business or microbusiness pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2006, and may affect rural communities. Specifically, the commission determined that the proposed rules may affect herd owners of exotic CWD susceptible species located in the proposed containment and surveillance zones.

The commission determined that the proposed surveillance and containment zones in response to recent positive CWD cases would not adversely affect herd owners of exotic CWD susceptible species because the proposal applies to exotic CWD susceptible species located in geographic areas where CWD has been detected or there is a high probability of detection. As such, the movement and testing requirements resulting from the proposed zones are intended to reduce exposure to other susceptible species in the same rural community, where the disease risk is greatest, and other communities and small businesses across the state. As a result, the application of the rule will help prevent adverse economic impacts associated with CWD.

REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS

The commission considered several alternative methods for achieving the proposed rule's purpose while minimizing adverse economic impacts on small businesses, microbusinesses, and rural communities, as applicable, pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2006. The following sections analyze the substantive proposed changes that may have direct, adverse economic impacts on regulated parties in the order they are presented in Chapter 40.

Containment and Surveillance Zones. The commission considered alternatives for all proposed zones, especially where there are known exotic CWD susceptible species, including voluntary surveillance and alternative zone boundaries that followed more recognizable features. However, the commission determined that voluntary testing would not protect the health of other CWD susceptible species in the affected area and across the state. The commission also determined that the regulated community would benefit from consistent zone boundaries for both native and exotic CWD susceptible species. As such, the commission proposes zone boundaries to align with boundaries developed in consultation with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The commission determined these proposals are necessary to follow the legislative requirement that the commission protect exotic livestock from certain diseases that pose a serious threat to exotic livestock, specifically CWD.

GOVERNMENT GROWTH IMPACT STATEMENT

In compliance with the requirements of Texas Government Code §2001.0221, for each year of the first five years the proposed rules would be in effect, the commission determined the following:

(1) The proposed rules will not create or eliminate a government program;

(2) Implementation of the proposed rules will not require the creation of new employee positions or the elimination of existing employee positions;

(3) Implementation of the proposed rules will not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the commission;

(4) The proposed rules will not require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the commission;

(5) The proposed rules will not create a new regulation;

(6) The proposed rules will expand existing rules, but will not otherwise limit or repeal an existing regulation;

(7) The proposed rules may increase the number of individuals subject to the regulation; and

(8) The proposed rules will not adversely affect this state's economy.

COST TO REGULATED PERSONS

The proposed amendments to §40.6 may impose an indirect cost on a regulated person if they are owners of exotic CWD susceptible species located within a proposed surveillance or containment zone. The commission determined these proposals are necessary to follow the legislative requirement that the commission protect exotic livestock from chronic wasting disease, a disease that poses a serious threat to the exotic livestock industry in Texas. The proposed rules do not otherwise impose a direct cost on a regulated person, state agency, a special district, or a local government within the state. Pursuant to Section 161.041 of the Texas Agriculture Code, Section 2001.0045 of the Texas Government Code does not apply to rules adopted under Section 161.041; therefore, it is unnecessary to amend or repeal any other existing rule.

REQUEST FOR COMMENT

Written comments regarding the proposed amendments may be submitted to Amanda Bernhard, Texas Animal Health Commission, 2105 Kramer Lane, Austin, Texas 78758, by fax at (512) 719‑0719 or by e‑mail to comments@tahc.texas.gov. To be considered, comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register. When faxing or emailing comments, please indicate "Comments on Chapter 40‑CWD Rules" in the subject line.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments to §40.6 within Chapter 40 of the Texas Administrative Code are proposed under the following statutory authority as found in Chapter 161 of the Texas Agriculture Code.

The commission is vested by statute, §161.041(a), titled "Disease Control," to protect all livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, and exotic fowl from disease. The commission is authorized, through §161.041(b), to act to eradicate or control any disease or agent of transmission for any disease that affects livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl, even if the agent of transmission is an animal species that is not subject to the jurisdiction of the commission.

Pursuant to §161.0415, titled "Disposal of Diseased or Exposed Livestock or Fowl," the commission may require by order the slaughter of livestock, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl exposed to or infected with certain diseases.

Pursuant to §161.0417, titled "Authorized Personnel for Disease Control," the commission must authorize a person, including a veterinarian, to engage in an activity that is part of a state or federal disease control or eradication program for animals.

Pursuant to §161.046, titled "Rules," the commission may adopt rules as necessary for the administration and enforcement of this chapter.

Pursuant to §161.047, titled "Entry Power," commission personnel are permitted to enter public or private property for the performance of an authorized duty.

Pursuant to §161.048, titled "Inspection of Shipment of Animals or Animal Product," the commission may require testing, vaccination, or another epidemiologically sound procedure before or after animals are moved. An agent of the commission is entitled to stop and inspect a shipment of animals or animal products being transported in this state to determine if the shipment originated from a quarantined area or herd; or determine if the shipment presents a danger to the public health or livestock industry through insect infestation or through a communicable or non‑communicable disease.

Pursuant to §161.049, titled "Dealer Records," the commission may require a livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl dealer to maintain records of all livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl bought and sold by the dealer. The commission may also inspect and copy the records of a livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl dealer that relate to the buying and selling of those animals. The commission, by rule, shall adopt the form and content of the records maintained by a dealer.

Pursuant to §161.054, titled "Regulation of Movement of Animals; Exception," the commission, by rule, may regulate the movement of animals. The commission may restrict the intrastate movement of animals even though the movement of the animals is unrestricted in interstate or international commerce. The commission may require testing, vaccination, or another epidemiologically sound procedure before or after animals are moved. The commission is authorized, through §161.054(b), to prohibit or regulate the movement of animals into a quarantined herd, premises, or area. The executive director of the commission is authorized, through §161.054(d), to modify a restriction on animal movement, and may consider economic hardship.

Pursuant to §161.0541, titled "Elk Disease Surveillance Program," the commission, by rule, may establish a disease surveillance program for elk. Such rules include the requirement for persons moving elk in interstate commerce to test the elk for chronic wasting disease. Additionally, provisions must include testing, identification, transportation, and inspection under the disease surveillance program.

Pursuant to §161.0545, titled "Movement of Animal Products," the commission may adopt rules that require the certification of persons who transport or dispose of inedible animal products, including carcasses, body parts, and waste material. The commission, by rule, may provide terms and conditions for the issuance, renewal, and revocation of a certification under this section.

Pursuant to §161.056(a), titled "Animal Identification Program," the commission may develop and implement an animal identification program that is no more stringent than a federal animal disease traceability or other federal animal identification program to provide for disease control and enhance the ability to trace disease‑infected animals or animals that have been exposed to disease. Section 161.056(d) authorizes the commission to adopt rules to provide for an animal identification program more stringent than a federal program only for control of a specific animal disease or for animal emergency management.

Pursuant to §161.057, titled "Classification of Areas," the commission may prescribe criteria for classifying areas in the state for disease control based on sound epidemiological principals and may prescribe control measures for classification areas.

Pursuant to §161.058, titled "Compensation of Livestock or Fowl Owner," the commission may pay indemnity to the owner of livestock or fowl if necessary to eradicate the disease.

Pursuant to §161.060, titled "Authority to Set and Collect Fees," the commission may charge a fee for an inspection made by the commission as provided by commission rule.

Pursuant to §161.061, titled "Establishment," if the commission determines that a disease listed in §161.041 of this code or an agent of transmission of one of those diseases exists in a place in this state or among livestock, exotic livestock, domestic animals, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl, or a place in this state or livestock, exotic livestock, domestic animals, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl are exposed to one of those diseases or any agent of transmission of one of those diseases, the commission shall establish a quarantine on the affected animals or on the affected place. The quarantine of an affected place may extend to any affected area, including a county, district, pasture, lot, ranch, farm, field, range, thoroughfare, building, stable, or stockyard pen. The commission may, through §161.061(c), establish a quarantine to prohibit or regulate the movement of any article or animal the commission designates to be a carrier of a disease listed in Section 161.041 or a potential carrier of one of those diseases, if movement is not otherwise regulated or prohibited for an animal into an affected area, including a county district, pasture, lot, ranch, field, range, thoroughfare, building, stable, or stockyard pen.

Pursuant to §161.0615, titled "Statewide or Widespread Quarantine," the commission may quarantine livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl in all or any part of this state as a means of immediately restricting the movement of animals potentially infected with disease and shall clearly describe the territory included in a quarantine area.

Pursuant to §161.065, titled "Movement from Quarantined Area; Movement of Quarantined Animals," the commission may provide a written certificate or written permit authorizing the movement of animals from quarantined places. If the commission finds animals have been moved in violation of an established quarantine or in violation of any other livestock sanitary law, the commission shall quarantine the animals until they have been properly treated, vaccinated, tested, dipped, or disposed of in accordance with the rules of the commission.

Pursuant to §161.081, titled "Importation of Animals," the commission may regulate the movement of livestock, exotic livestock, domestic animals, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl into this state from another state, territory, or country. The commission, by rule, may provide the method for inspecting and testing animals before and after entry into this state, and for the issuance and form of health certificates and entry permits.

Pursuant to §161.101, titled "Duty to Report," a veterinarian, a veterinary diagnostic laboratory, or a person having care, custody, or control of an animal shall report the existence of the disease, if required by the commission, among livestock, exotic livestock, bison, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl to the commission within 24 hours after diagnosis of the disease.

Pursuant to §161.148, titled "Administrative Penalty," the commission may impose an administrative penalty on a person who violates Chapter 161 or a rule or order adopted under Chapter 161. The penalty for a violation may be in an amount not to exceed $5,000.

The proposed rules in this chapter for adoption do not affect other statutes, sections, or codes.

§40.6CWD Movement Restriction Zones.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Declaration of area restricted for CWD. CWD has been detected in susceptible species in different locations in Texas. This creates a high risk for CWD exposure or infection in CWD susceptible species in those geographic areas. [In order to protect other areas of the state from the risk of exposure and spread of CWD, restricted ] Restricted areas, such as containment zones and surveillance zones, are created to protect against the spread of and exposure to CWD to other areas of the state and to have necessary surveillance to epidemiologically assess the risk. The high‑risk areas are delineated as follows:

(1) Containment Zone Boundaries:

(A) - (H) (No change.)

(I) Containment Zone 9. That portion of Coleman County lying within the area described by the following latitude‑longitude coordinate pairs: ‑99.29788709, 32.00897313; ‑99.29703740, 32.00896493; ‑99.29618783, 32.00894951; ‑99.29533850, 32.00892688; ‑99.29448947, 32.00889704; ‑99.29364083, 32.00886000; ‑99.29279266, 32.00881574; ‑99.29194506, 32.00876429; ‑99.29109810, 32.00870565; ‑99.29025187, 32.00863981; ‑99.28940645, 32.00856680; ‑99.28856193, 32.00848661; ‑99.28771839, 32.00839925; ‑99.28687591, 32.00830473; ‑99.28603458, 32.00820307; ‑99.28519449, 32.00809426; ‑99.28435570, 32.00797833; ‑99.28351832, 32.00785528; ‑99.28268242, 32.00772513; ‑99.28184808, 32.00758789; ‑99.28101539, 32.00744357; ‑99.28018443, 32.00729219; ‑99.27935529, 32.00713375; ‑99.27852804, 32.00696829; ‑99.27770277, 32.00679581; ‑99.27687955, 32.00661633; ‑99.27605848, 32.00642987; ‑99.27523963, 32.00623645; ‑99.27442309, 32.00603609; ‑99.27360893, 32.00582880; ‑99.27279723, 32.00561461; ‑99.27198809, 32.00539353; ‑99.27118157, 32.00516560; 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Figure: 4 TAC §40.6(b)(1)(I) (.pdf)

(2) Surveillance Zone Boundaries:

(A) - (U) (No change.)

(V) Surveillance Zone 22. That portion of Brooks County lying within the area described by the following latitude‑longitude pairs: ‑98.29086210, 27.13309526; ‑98.29298351, 27.13318675; ‑98.29509370, 27.13340214; ‑98.29718363, 27.13374052; ‑98.29924438, 27.13420043; ‑98.30126711, 27.13477991; ‑98.30324318, 27.13547648; ‑98.30516413, 27.13628715; ‑98.30702174, 27.13720847; ‑98.30880805, 27.13823649; ‑98.31051543, 27.13936681; ‑98.31213656, 27.14059459; ‑98.31366451, 27.14191458; ‑98.31509272, 27.14332113; ‑98.31641508, 27.14480823; ‑98.31762594, 27.14636950; ‑98.31872010, 27.14799827; ‑98.31969287, 27.14968756; ‑98.32054008, 27.15143015; ‑98.32125809, 27.15321858; ‑98.32184384, 27.15504518; ‑98.32229480, 27.15690215; ‑98.32260903, 27.15878152; ‑98.32278519, 27.16067526; ‑98.32282607, 27.16222641; ‑98.32281627, 27.16501134; ‑98.32281627, 27.16501136; ‑98.32281357, 27.16578038; ‑98.32281357, 27.16578040; ‑98.32280037, 27.16953161; ‑98.32280037, 27.16953161; ‑98.32279424, 27.17127223; ‑98.32279424, 27.17127224; ‑98.32278834, 27.17294980; ‑98.32278477, 27.17329865; ‑98.32268306, 27.17519678; ‑98.32244276, 27.17708490; ‑98.32206488, 27.17895493; ‑98.32155103, 27.18079885; ‑98.32090342, 27.18260877; ‑98.32012480, 27.18437693; ‑98.31921851, 27.18609576; ‑98.31818841, 27.18775790; ‑98.31703892, 27.18935622; ‑98.31577496, 27.19088389; ‑98.31440193, 27.19233434; ‑98.31292571, 27.19370138; ‑98.31135263, 27.19497913; ‑98.30968942, 27.19616213; ‑98.30794321, 27.19724530; ‑98.30612147, 27.19822401; ‑98.30423202, 27.19909405; ‑98.30228293, 27.19985170; ‑98.30028258, 27.20049372; ‑98.29823953, 27.20101734; ‑98.29616253, 27.20142033; ‑98.29406049, 27.20170096; ‑98.29194242, 27.20185803; ‑98.29045520, 27.20189407; ‑98.28090559, 27.20192944; ‑98.28026777, 27.20192618; ‑98.27814490, 27.20183447; ‑98.27603329, 27.20161877; ‑98.27394199, 27.20128001; ‑98.27187997, 27.20081965; ‑98.26985606, 27.20023964; ‑98.26787893, 27.19954249; ‑98.26595706, 27.19873118; ‑98.26409868, 27.19780919; ‑98.26231175, 27.19678046; ‑98.26060393, 27.19564941; ‑98.25898254, 27.19442088; ‑98.25745451, 27.19310014; ‑98.25602640, 27.19169285; ‑98.25470432, 27.19020504; ‑98.25349392, 27.18864308; ‑98.25240039, 27.18701366; ‑98.25142840, 27.18532377; ‑98.25058212, 27.18358064; ‑98.24986516, 27.18179175; ‑98.24928058, 27.17996476; ‑98.24883089, 27.17810748; ‑98.24851799, 27.17622788; ‑98.24834323, 27.17433401; ‑98.24830351, 27.17300440; ‑98.24827071, 27.16530377; ‑98.24827454, 27.16473335; ‑98.24837767, 27.16283530; ‑98.24861935, 27.16094735; ‑98.24899855, 27.15907758; ‑98.24951363, 27.15723401; ‑98.25016238, 27.15542451; ‑98.25094202, 27.15365684; ‑98.25184921, 27.15193857; ‑98.25288004, 27.15027705; ‑98.25403012, 27.14867938; ‑98.25529449, 27.14715242; ‑98.25666776, 27.14570269; ‑98.25814404, 27.14433640; ‑98.25971700, 27.14305939; ‑98.26137991, 27.14187713; ‑98.26312566, 27.14079468; ‑98.26494677, 27.13981666; ‑98.26627186, 27.13919216; ‑98.26715049, 27.13880096; ‑98.26771406, 27.13855607; ‑98.26783677, 27.13850433; ‑98.26809786, 27.13839484; ‑98.26859139, 27.13819236; ‑98.26885450, 27.13808680; ‑98.26935182, 27.13789170; ‑98.26961686, 27.13779009; ‑98.27045143, 27.13748232; ‑98.27057696, 27.13743812; ‑98.27086650, 27.13733678; ‑98.27132970, 27.13717829; ‑98.27162094, 27.13708092; ‑98.27208657, 27.13692885; ‑98.27237944, 27.13683546; ‑98.27309571, 27.13661545; ‑98.27412316, 27.13631179; ‑98.27427026, 27.13626866; ‑98.27529930, 27.13596939; ‑98.27534656, 27.13595568; ‑98.28028733, 27.13452608; ‑98.28040390, 27.13449150; ‑98.28244567, 27.13396821; ‑98.28452131, 27.13356548; ‑98.28662193, 27.13328503; ‑98.28873854, 27.13312807; ‑98.29086210 and 27.13309526.

Figure: 4 TAC §40.6(b)(2)(V) (.pdf)

(W) Surveillance Zone 23. That portion of Kimble County lying within the area described by the following latitude‑longitude pairs: ‑99.95180989, 30.29840729; ‑99.95400264, 30.29847039; ‑99.95618594, 30.29865777; ‑99.95835045, 30.29896861; ‑99.96048692, 30.29940160; ‑99.96258621, 30.29995488; ‑99.96463932, 30.30062607; ‑99.96663749, 30.30141232; ‑99.96857214, 30.30231025; ‑99.96983623, 30.30299275; ‑99.97667133, 30.30295620; ‑99.97688605, 30.30295564; ‑99.97907892, 30.30301831; ‑99.98126237, 30.30320526; ‑99.98342707, 30.30351568; ‑99.98556376, 30.30394824; ‑99.98766328, 30.30450110; ‑99.98971667, 30.30517190; ‑99.99171514, 30.30595775; ‑99.99365012, 30.30685531; ‑99.99551334, 30.30786072; ‑99.99729683, 30.30896969; ‑99.99899295, 30.31017747; ‑100.00059444, 30.31147889; ‑100.00209444, 30.31286839; ‑100.00348653, 30.31434001; ‑100.00476475, 30.31588747; ‑100.00592361, 30.31750413; ‑100.00695816, 30.31918308; ‑100.00769098, 30.32056160; ‑100.00769527, 30.32057026; ‑100.00770515, 30.32057419; ‑100.00856976, 30.32093081; ‑100.01050520, 30.32182811; ‑100.01236890, 30.32283327; ‑100.01415286, 30.32394201; ‑100.01584945, 30.32514957; ‑100.01745142, 30.32645078; ‑100.01895190, 30.32784008; ‑100.02034447, 30.32931152; ‑100.02162315, 30.33085881; ‑100.02278248, 30.33247532; ‑100.02381749, 30.33415413; ‑100.02472373, 30.33588807; ‑100.02549732, 30.33766969; ‑100.02613495, 30.33949139; ‑100.02663387, 30.34134536; ‑100.02699194, 30.34322366; ‑100.02720763, 30.34511825; ‑100.02727999, 30.34702101; ‑100.02727926, 30.34721962; ‑100.02698483, 30.38601250; ‑100.02691424, 30.38771670; ‑100.02669952, 30.38961139; ‑100.02634231, 30.39148985; ‑100.02584414, 30.39334403; ‑100.02520711, 30.39516599; ‑100.02443397, 30.39694793; ‑100.02352801, 30.39868221; ‑100.02249310, 30.40036141; ‑100.02133367, 30.40197834; ‑100.02005469, 30.40352605; ‑100.01866162, 30.40499793; ‑100.01716044, 30.40638767; ‑100.01555756, 30.40768931; ‑100.01385986, 30.40889727; ‑100.01207460, 30.41000638; ‑100.01020943, 30.41101189; ‑100.00827235, 30.41190948; ‑100.00627164, 30.41269531; ‑100.00421590, 30.41336602; ‑100.00211391, 30.41391872; ‑99.99997470, 30.41435104; ‑99.99780743, 30.41466115; ‑99.99562139, 30.41484770; ‑99.99361689, 30.41490944; ‑99.97742474, 30.41498743; ‑99.97723380, 30.41498786; ‑99.97503838, 30.41492516; ‑99.97285239, 30.41473811; ‑99.97068521, 30.41442751; ‑99.96854613, 30.41399469; ‑99.96644432, 30.41344150; ‑99.96438877, 30.41277033; ‑99.96308679, 30.41225858; ‑99.96228171, 30.41300309; ‑99.96067798, 30.41430404; ‑99.95897947, 30.41551127; ‑99.95719345, 30.41661962; ‑99.95532758, 30.41762432; ‑99.95338985, 30.41852108; ‑99.95138856, 30.41930605; ‑99.94933228, 30.41997587; ‑99.94722984, 30.42052767; ‑99.94509023, 30.42095908; ‑99.94292264, 30.42126825; ‑99.94090675, 30.42144388; ‑99.94082250, 30.42144900; ‑99.94073928, 30.42146147; ‑99.93938623, 30.42163958; ‑99.93719992, 30.42182513; ‑99.93500428, 30.42188633; ‑99.93280872, 30.42182290; ‑99.93062266, 30.42163512; ‑99.92919163, 30.42144375; ‑99.92652986, 30.42103663; ‑99.92579370, 30.42091666; ‑99.92365468, 30.42048309; ‑99.92155298, 30.41992917; ‑99.91949761, 30.41925727; ‑99.91749738, 30.41847027; ‑99.91577099, 30.41767601; ‑99.91519239, 30.41739079; ‑99.91376655, 30.41692839; ‑99.91052579, 30.41578007; ‑99.91035853, 30.41572034; ‑99.90835845, 30.41493320; ‑99.90642208, 30.41403434; ‑99.90455773, 30.41302762; ‑99.90439344, 30.41293169; ‑99.90438605, 30.41292734; ‑99.90437742, 30.41292934; ‑99.90435324, 30.41293495; ‑99.90221361, 30.41336564; ‑99.90004605, 30.41367408; ‑99.89785984, 30.41385896; ‑99.89566436, 30.41391947; ‑99.89346901, 30.41385537; ‑99.89128321, 30.41366692; ‑99.88911632, 30.41335493; ‑99.88697764, 30.41292075; ‑99.88529868, 30.41248821; ‑99.88024744, 30.41106139; ‑99.88024744, 30.41106139; ‑99.87742282, 30.41026342; ‑99.87700047, 30.41014141; ‑99.87494563, 30.40946879; ‑99.87294596, 30.40868110; ‑99.87101006, 30.40778170; ‑99.86914620, 30.40677446; ‑99.86736238, 30.40566369; ‑99.86566623, 30.40445415; ‑99.86406502, 30.40315102; ‑99.86256560, 30.40175989; ‑99.86117441, 30.40028671; ‑99.85989739, 30.39873781; ‑99.85874000, 30.39711981; ‑99.85770721, 30.39543965; ‑99.85746146, 30.39499685; ‑99.85659378, 30.39339897; ‑99.85593577, 30.39210664; ‑99.85516488, 30.39032398; ‑99.85453017, 30.38850142; ‑99.85429040, 30.38764797; ‑99.85405994, 30.38727300; ‑99.85337346, 30.38598353; ‑99.85281357, 30.38486057; ‑99.85259642, 30.38441489; ‑99.85182566, 30.38263221; ‑99.85119106, 30.38080964; ‑99.85069533, 30.37895498; ‑99.85034057, 30.37707618; ‑99.85012831, 30.37518129; ‑99.85005944, 30.37327842; ‑99.85013426, 30.37137571; ‑99.85035242, 30.36948133; ‑99.85071299, 30.36760337; ‑99.85121442, 30.36574988; ‑99.85176446, 30.36416114; ‑99.85459723, 30.35675198; ‑99.85468731, 30.35651963; ‑99.85546328, 30.35473872; ‑99.85637186, 30.35300564; ‑99.85740917, 30.35132780; ‑99.85857074, 30.34971237; ‑99.85985161, 30.34816629; ‑99.86047057, 30.34748954; ‑99.86049982, 30.34745852; ‑99.86052178, 30.34742326; ‑99.86100495, 30.34667428; ‑99.86216640, 30.34505883; ‑99.86344715, 30.34351270; ‑99.86373981, 30.34318754; ‑99.86408949, 30.34280464; ‑99.86519138, 30.34165962; ‑99.86535734, 30.34149711; ‑99.86574783, 30.34111759; ‑99.86708424, 30.33989216; ‑99.86837905, 30.33882977; ‑99.86854522, 30.33870050; ‑99.86857268, 30.33867483; ‑99.86856615, 30.33840357; ‑99.86854991, 30.33733178; ‑99.86854704, 30.33691486; ‑99.86862146, 30.33501215; ‑99.86883917, 30.33311774; ‑99.86889510, 30.33276880; ‑99.86917243, 30.33111199; ‑99.86947657, 30.32958293; ‑99.86997744, 30.32772937; ‑99.87061696, 30.32590820; ‑99.87139238, 30.32412720; ‑99.87230039, 30.32239401; ‑99.87333709, 30.32071604; ‑99.87449802, 30.31910048; ‑99.87553862, 30.31784364; ‑99.87612434, 30.31649807; ‑99.87703219, 30.31476485; ‑99.87806872, 30.31308684; ‑99.87922949, 30.31147124; ‑99.88050951, 30.30992495; ‑99.88190332, 30.30845459; ‑99.88340493, 30.30706646; ‑99.88500791, 30.30576649; ‑99.88670541, 30.30456026; ‑99.88849016, 30.30345291; ‑99.89035451, 30.30244920; ‑99.89229049, 30.30155340; ‑99.89428981, 30.30076937; ‑99.89634391, 30.30010044; ‑99.89844401, 30.29954949; ‑99.90058112, 30.29911887; ‑99.90274609, 30.29881042; ‑99.90492967, 30.29862546; ‑99.90696497, 30.29856499; ‑99.95165235, 30.29840756; and ‑99.95180989, 30.29840729.

Figure: 4 TAC §40.6(b)(2)(W) (.pdf)

(X) Surveillance Zone 24. That portion of Medina County lying within the area described by the following latitude‑longitude pairs: ‑99.03678558, 29.25833376; ‑99.03895416, 29.25841257; ‑99.04111221, 29.25861555; ‑99.04325052, 29.25894183; ‑99.04535994, 29.25939001; ‑99.04743143, 29.25995817; ‑99.04945614, 29.26064389; ‑99.05142540, 29.26144423; ‑99.05333079, 29.26235576; ‑99.05516414, 29.26337459; ‑99.05691762, 29.26449635; ‑99.05858371, 29.26571625; ‑99.06015529, 29.26702907; ‑99.06162562, 29.26842918; ‑99.06298841, 29.26991060; ‑99.06423782, 29.27146699; ‑99.06536850, 29.27309169; ‑99.06637560, 29.27477773; ‑99.06725480, 29.27651791; ‑99.06800233, 29.27830478; ‑99.06861499, 29.28013068; ‑99.06909015, 29.28198780; ‑99.06942576, 29.28386819; ‑99.06962038, 29.28576380; ‑99.06967316, 29.28766652; ‑99.06967243, 29.28773353; ‑99.06967074, 29.28787205; ‑99.06988063, 29.28904794; ‑99.07007527, 29.29094355; ‑99.07012806, 29.29284627; ‑99.07012645, 29.29297847; ‑99.07008760, 29.29560823; ‑99.06999993, 29.29737770; ‑99.06976894, 29.29927018; ‑99.06939723, 29.30114537; ‑99.06888638, 29.30299524; ‑99.06823857, 29.30481186; ‑99.06745656, 29.30658744; ‑99.06654371, 29.30831440; ‑99.06550390, 29.30998532; ‑99.06434160, 29.31159305; ‑99.06306178, 29.31313069; ‑99.06166990, 29.31459168; ‑99.06017194, 29.31596973; ‑99.05857430, 29.31725895; ‑99.05688383, 29.31845382; ‑99.05510777, 29.31954921; ‑99.05336743, 29.32048377; ‑99.05333543, 29.32049978; ‑99.05330860, 29.32052191; ‑99.05223193, 29.32137180; ‑99.05054131, 29.32256658; ‑99.04876510, 29.32366188; ‑99.04691091, 29.32465300; ‑99.04498668, 29.32553571; ‑99.04300066, 29.32630620; ‑99.04096136, 29.32696119; ‑99.03887752, 29.32749787; ‑99.03675807, 29.32791393; ‑99.03461208, 29.32820759; ‑99.03244877, 29.32837759; ‑99.03106128, 29.32842111; ‑99.02932843, 29.32844366; ‑99.02877504, 29.32844682; ‑99.02681052, 29.32844364; ‑99.02658003, 29.32844257; ‑99.02308778, 29.32841559; ‑99.02091766, 29.32833650; ‑99.01875809, 29.32813317; ‑99.01661834, 29.32780647; ‑99.01450757, 29.32735780; ‑99.01243483, 29.32678908; ‑99.01040900, 29.32610275; ‑99.00843876, 29.32530175; ‑99.00653256, 29.32438951; ‑99.00469856, 29.32336995; ‑99.00294462, 29.32224744; ‑99.00175050, 29.32137271; ‑99.00127811, 29.32118062; ‑98.99937206, 29.32026827; ‑98.99753821, 29.31924861; ‑98.99578443, 29.31812600; ‑98.99411823, 29.31690524; ‑98.99254673, 29.31559157; ‑98.99107669, 29.31419063; ‑98.98971437, 29.31270840; ‑98.98846563, 29.31115125; ‑98.98733580, 29.30952584; ‑98.98632971, 29.30783914; ‑98.98545168, 29.30609837; ‑98.98470545, 29.30431100; ‑98.98409422, 29.30248467; ‑98.98362059, 29.30062721; ‑98.98328659, 29.29874658; ‑98.98309363, 29.29685083; ‑98.98304254, 29.29494807; ‑98.98306949, 29.29237800; ‑98.98316047, 29.29047639; ‑98.98339313, 29.28858408; ‑98.98376645, 29.28670915; ‑98.98427884, 29.28485964; ‑98.98492809, 29.28304347; ‑98.98571142, 29.28126841; ‑98.98662546, 29.27954206; ‑98.98766629, 29.27787182; ‑98.98882946, 29.27626482; ‑98.99010998, 29.27472794; ‑98.99150236, 29.27326778; ‑98.99300064, 29.27189056; ‑98.99459840, 29.27060220; ‑98.99628880, 29.26940819; ‑98.99806461, 29.26831365; ‑98.99991822, 29.26732327; ‑99.00184170, 29.26644127; ‑99.00382682, 29.26567144; ‑99.00586508, 29.26501707; ‑99.00794776, 29.26448095; ‑99.01006596, 29.26406539; ‑99.01162613, 29.26383960; ‑99.01179748, 29.26381847; ‑99.01196770, 29.26379122; ‑99.01362891, 29.26356323; ‑99.01364637, 29.26356123; ‑99.01366080, 29.26355239; ‑99.01446528, 29.26307518; ‑99.01631862, 29.26208456; ‑99.01824185, 29.26120232; ‑99.02022673, 29.26043223; ‑99.02226477, 29.25977760; ‑99.02434725, 29.25924121; ‑99.02646526, 29.25882537; ‑99.02860974, 29.25853186; ‑99.03077150, 29.25836193; ‑99.03282370, 29.25831559; ‑99.03666797, 29.25833304; and ‑99.03678558, 29.25833376.

Figure: 4 TAC §40.6(b)(2)(X) (.pdf)

(Y) Surveillance Zone 25. That portion of Cherokee County lying within the area described by the following latitude‑longitude pairs: ‑95.16551813, 31.88499767; ‑95.16585785, 31.88501179; ‑95.16883776, 31.88514836; ‑95.17072236, 31.88527950; ‑95.17293080, 31.88554853; ‑95.17511390, 31.88594019; ‑95.17726232, 31.88645280; ‑95.17936688, 31.88708417; ‑95.18141857, 31.88783159; ‑95.18340860, 31.88869188; ‑95.18532847, 31.88966134; ‑95.18716995, 31.89073583; ‑95.18892517, 31.89191075; ‑95.19058660, 31.89318107; ‑95.19214714, 31.89454137; ‑95.19360011, 31.89598580; ‑95.19493927, 31.89750821; ‑95.19615889, 31.89910206; ‑95.19725376, 31.90076054; ‑95.19821916, 31.90247655; ‑95.19905097, 31.90424274; ‑95.19974562, 31.90605155; ‑95.20030011, 31.90789524; ‑95.20071208, 31.90976592; ‑95.20097975, 31.91165557; ‑95.20110197, 31.91355611; ‑95.20107820, 31.91545940; ‑95.20090853, 31.91735728; ‑95.20059369, 31.91924163; ‑95.20013501, 31.92110439; ‑95.19953445, 31.92293756; ‑95.19915728, 31.92389976; ‑95.19815357, 31.92631908; ‑95.19779084, 31.92715263; ‑95.19691477, 31.92890324; ‑95.19590628, 31.93060123; ‑95.19476969, 31.93223933; ‑95.19350987, 31.93381051; ‑95.19213220, 31.93530804; ‑95.19064258, 31.93672552; ‑95.18904740, 31.93805686; ‑95.18735347, 31.93929635; ‑95.18556806, 31.94043870; ‑95.18369881, 31.94147900; ‑95.18175374, 31.94241280; ‑95.17974117, 31.94323609; ‑95.17766973, 31.94394535; ‑95.17554830, 31.94453754; ‑95.17338596, 31.94501011; ‑95.17119198, 31.94536104; ‑95.16897578, 31.94558883; ‑95.16674684, 31.94569251; ‑95.16451472, 31.94567162; ‑95.16228898, 31.94552626; ‑95.16007918, 31.94525705; ‑95.15789477, 31.94486515; ‑95.15574512, 31.94435223; ‑95.15363944, 31.94372049; ‑95.15292604, 31.94347588; ‑95.15225794, 31.94323930; ‑95.15201777, 31.94315426; ‑95.15112625, 31.94283856; ‑95.14978698, 31.94233530; ‑95.14779612, 31.94147452; ‑95.14587558, 31.94050452; ‑95.14403360, 31.93942947; ‑95.14227806, 31.93825396; ‑95.14061648, 31.93698304; ‑95.13905598, 31.93562215; ‑95.13760324, 31.93417712; ‑95.13626449, 31.93265414; ‑95.13504544, 31.93105975; ‑95.13395132, 31.92940076; ‑95.13298681, 31.92768430; ‑95.13215603, 31.92591770; ‑95.13146253, 31.92410854; ‑95.13090928, 31.92226456; ‑95.13049864, 31.92039367; ‑95.13023236, 31.91850388; ‑95.13020804, 31.91825324; ‑95.13003171, 31.91633466; ‑95.12993523, 31.91468469; ‑95.12996044, 31.91278142; ‑95.13013153, 31.91088362; ‑95.13044775, 31.90899944; ‑95.13090775, 31.90713692; ‑95.13150954, 31.90530405; ‑95.13225054, 31.90350868; ‑95.13312758, 31.90175849; ‑95.13413689, 31.90006097; ‑95.13527414, 31.89842338; ‑95.13653446, 31.89685275; ‑95.13791245, 31.89535578; ‑95.13940221, 31.89393889; ‑95.14099735, 31.89260814; ‑95.14269104, 31.89136922; ‑95.14447605, 31.89022744; ‑95.14634471, 31.88918769; ‑95.14828904, 31.88825440; ‑95.15030071, 31.88743158; ‑95.15237111, 31.88672274; ‑95.15449139, 31.88613093; ‑95.15665248, 31.88565866; ‑95.15884512, 31.88530796; ‑95.16105993, 31.88508034; ‑95.16328745, 31.88497676; and ‑95.16551813, 31.88499767.

Figure: 4 TAC §40.6(b)(2)(Y) (.pdf)

(Z) Surveillance Zone 26. That portion of the state within the boundaries of a line beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 283 and County Road 176 in Coleman County; thence east along County Road 176 to State Highway (S.H.) 206; thence east along S.H. 206 to County Road 170; thence south along County Road 170 to County Road 171; thence south along C.R. 171 to County Road 113 in Brown County; thence south along C.R. 113 to Farm to Market (F.M.) 585; thence south along F.M. 585 to County Road 108 in Brown County; thence southwest along C.R. 108 to County Road 127 in Coleman County; thence southwest along C.R. 127 to F.M. 568; thence west along F.M. 568 to U.S. Highway 84, thence north along U.S. 84 to S.H. 206, thence north along S.H. 206 to U.S. 283; thence north along U.S. 283 to County Road 176.

Figure: 4 TAC §40.6(b)(2)(Z) (.pdf)

(c) - (g) (No change.)

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 26, 2024.

TRD-202400827

Jeanine Coggeshall

General Counsel

Texas Animal Health Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 7, 2024

For further information, please call: (512) 839-0511


CHAPTER 49. EQUINE

4 TAC §49.5, §49.7

The Texas Animal Health Commission (commission) proposes amendments to Title 4, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 49 titled "Equine." Specifically, amendments are proposed to §49.5 regarding Piroplasmosis: Testing, Identification of Infected Equine, and §49.7 regarding Persons or Laboratories Performing Equine Infectious Anemia Tests.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The commission proposes amendments to §49.5 which establishes testing and identification requirements of equine piroplasmosis. Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne protozoal infection of horses. At least one species of tick, Amblyomma cajennense, has proven capable of transmitting the blood parasite. This species of tick is endemic to South Texas and several other southern states. Also, the disease may be spread between horses by unsafe animal husbandry practices such as sharing needles or equipment that is contaminated with blood. This has brought about the disclosure that there is a distinct group of positive animals which are for the purpose of racing, either through sanctioned events or otherwise.

In 2011, the commission took action to safeguard Texas equine population by requiring all equine participating in racing events at a sanctioned racetrack facility to have a negative piroplasmosis test. The requirement was put in place to ensure that the positive animals are disclosed as well as to protect other animals participating in such events. Since 2010, there has not been a disclosed piroplasmosis positive thoroughbred horse participating in sanctioned racing. As such, the commission approved a temporary waiver of the requirement that thoroughbred horses be tested for piroplasmosis prior to entering a racetrack facility licensed by the Texas Racing Commission on July 26, 2022.

The proposed amendments to §49.5 incorporate the thoroughbred testing requirement waiver. The proposed amendments also streamline the existing testing and identification requirements for ease of use and readability.

Additionally, the commission proposes amendments to §49.7 regarding Persons or Laboratories Performing Equine Infectious Anemia Tests. The section currently refers readers to an outdated section in the Code of Federal Regulations. The proposed amendment updates the citation.

SECTION-BY-SECTION DISCUSSION

Section 49.5 details the testing and identification requirements for equine piroplasmosis. The proposed amendments streamline the rule for readability. The proposed amendments also formally codify the waiver of testing requirements for thoroughbreds as approved by the commission in the 413th Meeting on July 26,2022. The proposed amendments to not change any other testing or identification requirements.

Section 49.7 sets requirements for individuals or laboratories performing EIA tests. The proposed amendments update the citation to the relevant section in the Code of Federal Regulations. The proposed amendments to not change the existing requirement.

FISCAL NOTE

Ms. Jeanine Coggeshall, General Counsel for the Texas Animal Health Commission, determined that for each year of the first five years that the rule is in effect, enforcing or administering the proposed rules does not have foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments. Commission employees will administer and enforce these rules as part of their current job duties and resources. Ms. Coggeshall also determined for the same period that there is no estimated increase or loss in revenue to the state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed amendments.

PUBLIC BENEFIT NOTE

Ms. Coggeshall determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the anticipated public benefits are to provide clarity and guidance on the testing requirements of infectious equine diseases.

TAKINGS IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The commission determined that the proposal does not restrict, limit, or impose a burden on an owner's rights to his or her private real property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action. Therefore, the proposed rules are compliant with the Private Real Property Preservation Act in Texas Government Code §2007.043 and do not constitute a taking.

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENT

The commission determined that the proposed rules would not impact local economies and, therefore, did not file a request for a local employment impact statement with the Texas Workforce Commission pursuant to Texas Government Code §2001.022.

REGULATORY ANALYSIS OF MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL RULES

The commission determined that this proposal is not a "major environmental rule" as defined by Government Code §2001.0225. "Major environmental rule" is defined to mean a rule the specific intent of which is to protect the environment or reduce risk to human health from environmental exposure and that may adversely affect, in a material way, the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment or the public health and safety of a state or a sector of the state. This proposal is not specifically intended to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure.

GOVERNMENT GROWTH IMPACT STATEMENT

In compliance with the requirements of Texas Government Code §2001.0221, the Commission prepared the following Government Growth Impact Statement. For each year of the first five years the proposed rules would be in effect, the commission determined the following:

(1) The amendments will not create or eliminate a government program;

(2) Implementation of the amendments will not require the creation of new employee positions or the elimination of existing employee positions;

(3) Implementation of the amendments will not increase future legislative appropriations to the commission;

(4) The amendments will not increase or decrease the fees paid to the commission;

(5) The amendments will not create a new rule;

(6) The amendments do not expand, limit, or repeal existing rules;

(7) The amendments do not change the number of individuals subject to the rules; and

(8) The amendments will not affect the state's economy.

SMALL BUSINESS, MICRO-BUSINESS, AND RURAL COMMUNITY IMPACT ANALYSIS

Ms. Coggeshall also determined that there will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, or rural communities pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2006. The rules do not impose any additional costs on small businesses, micro-businesses, or rural communities that are required to comply with the rules.

COSTS TO REGULATED PERSONS

The proposed amendments to Chapter 49 do not impose additional costs on regulated persons and are designed to provide clarity and accurate guidance on infectious equine diseases. The proposed rules do not otherwise impose a direct cost on a regulated person, state agency, a special district, or a local government within the state.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Written comments regarding the proposed amendments may be submitted to Amanda Bernhard, Texas Animal Health Commission, 2105 Kramer Lane, Austin, Texas 78758, by fax at (512) 719-0719 or by e-mail to comments@tahc.texas.gov. To be considered, comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register. When faxing or emailing comments, please indicate "Comments on Proposed Rule-Chapter 49, Equine" in the subject line.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are proposed under the following statutory authority as found in Chapter 161 of the Texas Agriculture Code. The commission is vested by statute, §161.041(a), with the requirement to protect all livestock, domestic animals, and domestic fowl from disease. The commission is authorized, through §161.041(b), to act to eradicate or control any disease or agent of transmission for any disease that affects livestock.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 161, §161.046 which authorizes the commission to promulgate rules in accordance with the Texas Agriculture Code.

Pursuant to §161.048, entitled "Inspection of Shipment of Animals or Animal Products," the commission may require testing, vaccination, or another epidemiologically sound procedure before or after animals are moved.

Pursuant to §161.0602, entitled "Persons or Laboratories Performing Equine Infectious Anemia Tests," the commission shall adopt rules that require a person or laboratory to be approved by the commission if the person or laboratory performs an official equine infectious anemia test.

Pursuant to §161.113, entitled "Testing or Treatment of Livestock," if the commission requires testing or vaccination under this subchapter, the testing or vaccination must be performed by an accredited veterinarian or qualified person authorized by the commission.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by this proposal.

§49.5.Piroplasmosis: Testing, Identification of Infected Equine.

(a) Official [Equine Piroplasmosis] Test. [:] A complement fixation test (CFT) or competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) are the official tests for equine piroplasmosis. [A test for Equine Piroplasmosis applied and reported by a laboratory approved by the Commission. The sample must be collected by or under the direct supervision of an authorized veterinarian. A completed Equine Piroplasmosis Laboratory Test chart (Form 10-07) must be submitted with the sample, listing the description of the equine to include the following: age, breed, color, sex, animal's name, and all distinctive markings (i.e., color patterns, brands, tattoos, scars, or blemishes), and any RFID numbers applied to the equine. In the absence of any distinctive color markings or any form of visible permanent identification (brands, tattoos or scars), the equine must be identified by indicating the location of all hair whorls, vortices or cowlicks with an "X" on the illustration provided on the chart. In lieu of the manual illustration, digital photographs clearly showing the equine from the left side, right side, and full face may be incorporated in the chart. All charts must list owner's name, address, the equine's home premises and county, the name and address of the authorized individual collecting the test sample, and laboratory and individual conducting the test. The Piroplasmosis test document shall list one equine only.]

(b) Authorization to conduct test. Only a test applied and reported by a laboratory approved by the commission will be considered an official test. Only samples collected by or under the direct supervision of an authorized veterinarian accompanied by a completed Equine Piroplasmosis Laboratory Test chart (form 10-07) will be accepted for official testing.

(c) [(b)] Reactor. A reactor is any equine which discloses a positive reaction to the official test [for Piroplasmosis on a Complement Fixation (CF) or competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (cELISA) applied at a laboratory approved by the Commission]. The individual collecting the test sample must notify the equine's owner of the quarantine within 48 hours after receiving the results. Movement of all piroplasmosis [Piroplasmosis] positive equine and all equine epidemiologically determined to have been exposed to a piroplasmosis [Piroplasmosis ] positive equine will be restricted. Retests of a reactor may only be performed by a representative of the commission [Commission].

(d) [(c)] Official identification of reactors [Identification of Reactors].

(1) A reactor must be identified with an implanted radio frequency microchip identification device that provides unique identification for each individual equine and complies with ISO 11784/11785 and one of the following methods as determined by the commission [Commission]:

(A) The reactor [equine] may be identified with a [permanent mark as described herein or as approved by the Commission. If] branded [the] letter "P" [will be] applied as a hot-iron brand, freeze-marking brand, [or a] hoof brand, or as approved by the commission. For a freeze [Freeze] or hot-iron [Hot-Iron] brand, the "P" brand must be not less than two inches high and shall be applied to the left shoulder or left side of the neck of the reactor. For a hoof brand, the "P" brand must be applied to the front left hoof and reapplied as necessary to maintain visibility;

(B) Using an identification device or a unique tattoo, approved by the commission [Commission], that provides unique identification for each individual equine; or

(C) Using digital photographs sufficient to identify the individual equine.

(2) Reactors must be identified by an authorized veterinarian or representative of the commission [Commission] within 10 [ten] days of the date the laboratory completes the test unless the equine is destroyed [equine being classified as a reactor by the Commission]. Any equine destroyed prior to identification must be described in a written statement by the authorized veterinarian or other authorized personnel certifying to the destruction. [The description must be sufficient to identify the individual equine including, but not limited to, name, age, breed, color, gender, distinctive markings, and unique and permanent forms of identification when present (e.g., brands, tattoos, scars, cowlicks, blemishes or biometric measurements).] This certification must be submitted to the commission [Commission] within 10 [ten] days of the date the equine is destroyed.

(d) Any equine [Equine] entering a racetrack facility, with the exception of thoroughbreds, must have a negative piroplasmosis [Piroplasmosis] test [(Theileria equi)] within the past 12 months. A racetrack facility is grounds used to conduct live horse racing events and is not limited to facilities licensed by the Texas Racing Commission.

§49.7.Persons or Laboratories Performing Equine Infectious Anemia Tests.

A person or laboratory who performs an official equine infectious anemia test in the State of Texas must meet and comply [be in compliance] with the requirements found in Title 9 Code of Federal Regulations §71.22 [§75.4(c)], which is entitled "Approval of laboratories to conduct official testing." [Laboratories, and Diagnostic or Research Facilities".]

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 26, 2024.

TRD-202400826

Jeanine Coggeshall

General Counsel

Texas Animal Health Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 7, 2024

For further information, please call: (512) 839-0511