SECTION 43.7. Authorized Calf Ranch/Authorized Grower Facility

(a) Definitions:

(1) Authorized Calf Ranch--A facility that is approved by the Executive Director of the commission for the feeding of restricted cattle under six months of age.

(2) Authorized Grower Facility--A facility that is approved by the Executive Director of the commission for feeding restricted cattle that are being raised for breeding or feeding purposes in drylot conditions over six months of age.

(3) Restricted animals--Animals determined to be exposed or at risk of exposure to diseases or conditions of regulatory interest as defined by the commission.

(b) Designation To Handle Restricted Animals. A facility that is feeding or raising calves that are classified as restricted. This facility has the necessary protocols and testing standards in place to provide for minimal risk of disease spread while allowing for the designated cattle upon completion of the herd plan to move in commerce for their intended use.

(c) Designation Agreement. In order to be recognized as an Authorized Calf Ranch or Authorized Grower Facility, there shall be a signed designation agreement with the commission indicating that the facility can meet the necessary standards to accept restricted cattle. The agreement will contain standards including, but not limited to, provisions for isolation of animals through geographic separation, adequate fencing, consideration of drainage, use of official identification, biosecurity standards, testing protocols, recordkeeping requirements, and adherence with all movement restrictions for animals entering and leaving a facility.

(d) Individual Herd Plan(s) for Prevention of Tuberculosis (TB). The plan is developed between the authorized calf ranch/authorized grower facility, the owner of the cattle, and the commission. The plan shall be developed by a Designated Tuberculosis State-Federal epidemiologist (DTE) representing the commission to consider all necessary standards and procedures.

(e) Standards and procedures:

(1) Geographic separation. Adequate isolation of animals to prevent the spread of disease as determined by a DTE.

(2) Official identification. All animals entering and leaving the facility must be officially identified and that information is to be recorded and maintained as required by paragraph (4) of this subsection.

(3) Biosecurity standards. Biosecurity standards for Authorized Calf Ranches and Authorized Grower Facilities will be determined by the commission upon consultation with calf ranch management and herd owner, based upon generally accepted disease prevention principles, and any unique disease risk considerations of the individual herd. Approved facilities may be required to be cleaned and disinfected between use by different groups of cattle. Vacation of facilities may also be required in certain situations where TB has been detected in the lot or as directed by a DTE.

(4) Recordkeeping requirements. An approved facility shall maintain records for five years which indicate:

(A) Animal Owner/Operator's name and address;

(B) Number of animals;

(C) Description of each animal including sex, age, breed and official identification, date of entry into the facility, and date the animals are shipped from the facility, as well as correlating identification of any retagged animals;

(D) Origin and destination of the animals;

(E) Records on waste milk feed to calves, including source and pasteurization status; and

(F) Records for pasteurization of milk, including method, time, and temperature.

(f) Renewal/Revocation. The approved status must be renewed by the operator every two years provided that the requirements specified in these regulations and the approved agreement continue to be met by the authorized facility. If the Executive Director determines the authorized facility has failed to comply with the agreement, the status may be revoked.

Source Note: The provisions of this §43.7 adopted to be effective June 3, 2014, 39 TexReg 4236