Category: Watching

Bob Gould

Anthrax Confirmed in an Armstrong County Horse

Media Contacts: TAHC Communications public_info@tahc.texas.gov, 512.719.0750 AUSTIN, TX – Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials received confirmation of anthrax in a horse on an Armstrong County premises on August 20, 2021. This is the third confirmed case of anthrax in Texas this year. The premises is located in the southern portion of the county and has been quarantined. TAHC rules require proper disposal of affected carcasses and vaccination of other livestock on the premises prior to release of the quarantine. “The TAHC will continue to closely monitor the situation and encourage producers in the county to consult

Read More »
Anthrax
Bob Gould

Anthrax Confirmed in a Hardeman County Cow

AUSTIN, TX – Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials received confirmation of anthrax in a cow on a Hardeman County premises on August 6, 2021. This is the second Texas county, following Val Verde County in July, to have a confirmation this year. The premises is located in the northern portion of the county, northwest of Quanah, TX, and has been quarantined. TAHC rules require proper disposal of affected carcasses and vaccination of other cattle on the premises prior to release of the quarantine. “TAHC personnel will continue to closely monitor the case in Hardeman County,” said

Read More »
Bob Gould

Equine Owners and Veterinarians Reminded to Take Steps to Prevent Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis

On July 8, 2021, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS) reported active cases of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) in Mexico. At this time, the confirmations are not close to the Texas-Mexico border. However, due to abundant rainfall across the state, mosquito activity is expected to increase which could facilitate the transport of this disease across Mexico into the United States.

Read More »
Bob Gould

TAHC Provides Resources for Livestock and Poultry Owners Affected by the Winter Storms

AUSTIN, TX –The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) continues to work with local, state, federal, and non-governmental partners to address the severe winter weather effects on Texas livestock and poultry. “Our hearts go out to all who are affected by the winter storms,” said Dr. Andy Schwartz, TAHC Executive Director. “We are grateful for the support and resources our government and non-government partners are providing.” Below please find animal specific resources that can help you recover from these winter storm events and guide you through the recovery process. Stray Livestock In extreme winter weather, fences can be

Read More »
Bob Gould

Equine Infectious Anemia Confirmed in Dallas County Horse

AUSTIN, TX – Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials confirmed equine infectious anemia (EIA) in one Quarter Horse on a Dallas County premises on January 26, 2021. This is the first confirmed case of EIA in Texas this year. The horse was confirmed positive after testing was performed to meet regulatory requirements. The premises has been quarantined and will not be released until TAHC’s requirements are met. TAHC staff are working closely with the owner and local veterinarian to monitor potentially exposed horses and implement biosecurity measures. “Last year, 17 horses tested positive for equine infectious anemia

Read More »
Dr. Andy Schwartz
Bob Gould

Heading for Higher Ground?

As the state prepares for Hurricane Laura to make landfall along the Texas-Louisiana border, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) encourages animal owners to take the necessary precautions to protect their animals and themselves from anticipated heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flash flooding.

Read More »

Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Now Present in 10 Counties in Kansas

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has announced that vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has now been confirmed in 10 counties in Kansas. KDA’s Division of Animal Health continues to respond to the outbreak that began in south central Kansas in mid-June and has now expanded its reach to the north and east. More than 60 premises have tested positive for VSV in Butler, Chase, Cowley, Greenwood, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Sedgwick and Sumner counties. In addition, KDA is awaiting laboratory results from symptomatic animals in other counties as the outbreak continues to spread. All premises with confirmed cases

Read More »

New AVMF grants provide COVID-19 relief to technicians, assistants

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is accepting applications for a new grant program supporting veterinary technicians and assistants who are suffering financially in the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, which will provide eligible veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants a one-time $500 grant to help meet immediate needs, is funded by $200,000 in donations from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Zoetis and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. In addition to the $200,000 starting donation, the AVMF has set a goal to raise $200,000 more for the program from individual donors. Visit the AVMA@Work blog to learn more

Read More »
blisters and sores in the mouth
Bob Gould

Vesicular Stomatitis Confirmed in Cattle Along Texas-Mexico Border

Since last week, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has been detected in cattle on one Zapata County premises and two Starr County premises. Testing at the USDA Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the virus as the New Jersey serotype, which is the same serotype found in previously reported VSV positive horses in Starr County.

Read More »

Vesicular stomatitis outbreak expanding

Cases known to involve both New Jersey and Indiana serotypes; the first time both were detected in the same year since 1997-98.

Read More »

Texas A&M veterinary lab steps up for COVID-19 testing

The Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at Texas A&M University has started processing samples for COVID-19 tests for local health care providers, and the lab’s director, veterinarian Bruce Akey, says the lab has more capacity to help. The lab runs tens of thousands of animal tests each year that are similar to COVID-19 tests, but the lab would need a regulatory waiver to run the tests for humans. Click here to read the rest of the story.

Read More »
Dr. Andy Schwartz
Bob Gould

Vesicular Stomatitis Confirmed in El Paso County Horse

Texas Animal Health Commission “Serving Texas Animal Agriculture Since 1893” Andy Schwartz, DVM Executive Director P.O. Box l2966 Austin, Texas 78711 (800) 550-8242 www.tahc.texas.gov For more information contact the Public Information Dept. at 512-719-0750 or at public_info@tahc.texas.gov AUSTIN, TX – Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was confirmed in one horse on an El Paso County premises. This confirmation marks the third case of VSV in Texas this year. The horse was tested after the owner observed lesions and contacted their veterinary practitioner. The horse has been isolated on the premises and is being monitored. The El Paso site

Read More »
Arizona
Bob Gould

Vesicular Stomatitis Detected in Starr County Horses

Texas Animal Health Commission “Serving Texas Animal Agriculture Since 1893” Andy Schwartz, DVM Executive Director P.O. Box l2966 Austin, Texas 78711 (800) 550-8242 www.tahc.texas.gov For more information contact the Public Information Dept. at 512-719-0750 or at public_info@tahc.texas.gov First Cases of VSV in Texas This Year AUSTIN, TX – Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was confirmed in horses on two Starr County premises on April 23, 2020. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the virus as the New Jersey serotype. These confirmations mark the first cases of VSV in Texas this year. The horses were tested after the

Read More »
Bob Gould

COVID-19 Resources for Livestock & Animal Owners

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) continues to support local, state, and federal public health officials as they respond to the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID?19) that is causing the outbreak of respiratory illness in people worldwide.

Read More »
EIA
Bob Gould

First EIA Case of 2020 Confirmed in Kleberg County

NEWS RELEASE Texas Animal Health Commission “Serving Texas Animal Agriculture Since 1893” Andy Schwartz, DVM  Executive Director P.O. Box l2966  Austin, Texas 78711  (800) 550-8242 www.tahc.texas.gov For more information contact the Public Information Dept. at 512-719-0750 or at public_info@tahc.texas.gov AUSTIN, TX – Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials confirmed Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) in one horse on a Kleberg County premises on March 16, 2020. This is the first confirmed case of EIA in Texas this year. The premises has been quarantined and will not be released until TAHC’s requirements are met. TAHC staff are working closely

Read More »