As reported in the Aug. 6 Beef Bits, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller stopped the operation of cattle spray boxes used to control cattle fever ticks.
However, after meeting with Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA), Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Farm Bureau, Livestock Marketing Association of Texas, Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas and South Texans’ Property Rights Association on Aug. 9, Miller agreed to place the spray boxes back in service for 45 days while Texas Animal Health Commission, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency work to develop a long-term solution to his concerns.
In its weekly newsletter, TCFA noted, “Having the ability to utilize all treatment options available is crucial in the continued fight to eradicate the cattle fever tick in the permanent quarantine zone in South Texas. TCFA is pleased that Commissioner Miller listened to industry concerns and that an agreement is in place to resume use of the spray boxes.”
