SECTION 55.7. Slaughter Plant Requirements

(a) Slaughter plants that slaughter sows and boars shall:

(1) maintain records of sows and boars to allow tracing to their herd of origin, including, but not limited to, swine identification, packer's lot number, seller's name and address, and number of swine for at least two years;

(2) collect blood samples from carcasses of all sows and boars that can be traced to a farm of origin;

(3) enter individual swine identification on the VS Form 4-54S or TAHC Form 91-26 in relation to the samples collected and submit the blood samples with the completed VS Form 4-54S or TAHC Form 91-26 to the designated state diagnostic laboratory for swine brucellosis and pseudorabies tests;

(4) submit daily slaughter sheets and the completed test record (VS Form 4-54S or TAHC Form 91-26) to the commission-designated state diagnostic laboratory showing the identification of each animal to the person or firm from which the swine were secured (full name and address); and

(5) make records available to a commission representative upon request.

(b) Collection of samples at slaughter plants.

(1) Veterinarians, authorized slaughter plant employees, or regularly employed representatives of the Texas Animal Health Commission or the United States Department of Agriculture are authorized to collect blood samples to conduct tests for swine brucellosis and pseudorabies.

(2) The slaughter plant is responsible for mailing blood samples and records to the commission-designated state diagnostic laboratory within 24 hours following collection.

Source Note: The provisions of this §55.7 adopted to be effective September 28, 1990, 15 TexReg 5361; amended to be effective October 21, 2021, 46 TexReg 7044