Cattle tick spraying halted

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller shut down a cattle fever tick spray box operation and ordered the remaining 15 spray boxes also shut down following an inspection visit to a South Texas ranch. Spray boxes apply an insecticide to combat ticks that may infect livestock with deadly Texas cattle fever. Miller said he went to the ranch after receiving complaints of cattle dying. Miller commented, “From my personal observation, the insecticide was being used in violation of the label, so I shut them down. I also gave the state and federal authorities lawful alternatives for applying this insecticide, but they refused to implement those alternatives.” Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) President Robert McKnight, Jr. released a statement disagreeing with Miller’s action, noting its foremost priority is the health of cattle. He said the organization supports the experts at the Texas Animal Health Commission and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in their mission to protect animal health and productivity, but added, “Commissioner Miller’s decision is detrimental to the health of the cattle and livelihood of ranchers who rely on the use of spray boxes to eradicate cattle fever ticks.” McKnight also said that spray boxes have long been widely accepted as a safe and effective method to treat cattle for cattle fever ticks, and TSCRA has not received reports of cattle deaths due to toxicity. “We are very disappointed that Commissioner Miller made such a rash decision to take away this vital tool from Texas cattle raisers. His decision has a direct and immediate impact on cattle health, Texas ranchers and the entire U.S. cattle industry. His action could seriously endanger cattle welfare and prevent Texas ranchers from participating in commerce at a time when our industry is already facing hardships due to drought and other issues,” said McKnight. — WLJ