SECTION 43.4. Increased Risk Herds or Animals

Testing of increased-risk herds.

(1) In herds where Mycobacterium bovis infection has been confirmed but the herd not depopulated, the herd shall remain under quarantine until all requirements of their individual herd plan have be completed as well as all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

(2) In a newly assembled herd on premises where a tuberculosis affected herd has been depopulated, two annual herd tests shall be applied to all livestock and exotic livestock ; the first test shall be applied approximately six months after assembly of the new herd. If the premises are vacated for one year, these requirements may be waived.

(3) In herds that are an increased risk for Mycobacterium bovis infection as determined by the Designated Tuberculosis Epidemiologist or the Executive Director in order to control or eradicate Bovine Tuberculosis from this state.

(4) Slaughter traceback investigations

(A) Tracebacks to a herd: Herds indicated as the source of slaughter traceback case investigations shall have movement restrictions in place and all livestock and exotic livestock shall be tested. The testing will be conducted by a representative of the Texas Animal Health Commission or USDA personnel.

(B) Tracebacks to a feedlot: Except for approved feedlots and approved pens livestock and exotic livestock in feedlots known to be exposed to tuberculosis shall have movement restrictions in place and exposed animals shall be moved under permit for direct shipment to slaughter. When an affected lot originates from a non approved pen or feedyard, the pen must be cleaned and disinfected as directed by the DTE. In addition, this pen must be vacated for 30 days or as directed by the DTE. When an affected lot originates from an approved pen or feedlot, the requirements for cleaning and disinfection shall be according to the provisions specified in §43.3(c)(3)of this title (relating to Standards and Procedures).

(5) Other increased risk herds: Herds located adjacent to an affected herd, herds that have contained known exposed animals, and herds that have been implicated as the source of animals found to be affected in an affected herd shall then have movement restricted until all conditions specified in the UM&R have been satisfied.

Source Note: The provisions of this §43.4 adopted to be effective January 1, 2006, 30 TexReg 8676