August 1, 2011

Legislation was passed this session that changed the Texas Animal Health Commission’s (TAHC) revenue stream from general revenue to a fee based service income. The livestock producers are lobbying against these fee based services. The Texas Animal Health Commissioners will be meeting, July 19, 2011 to vote on whether to approve these fees. If they are not approved, five part‐time and full‐time employees who assist federal employees in Zapata and Starr Counties will lose their jobs. USDA will then take over complete authority of fever tick eradication in the state of Texas.

STPRA will remain engaged on this issue.