Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ben Ray Luján have introduced the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act, aiming to address cattle fever tick infestations nationwide. Senator Cornyn highlighted the severe impact of these infestations on ranchers in Texas and across the country, emphasizing the need for legislative support to improve mitigation efforts.

"Cattle fever tick infestations can cause devastating losses for ranchers across Texas and the nation," stated Sen. Cornyn. "This legislation would kickstart improvements to the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and help mitigate losses caused by these parasites, and I urge my colleagues to support it."

Senator Luján pointed out the significant risk posed by cattle fever ticks in regions like eastern and southern New Mexico, especially as New Mexico becomes a central hub for cattle imports from Mexico. He expressed pride in reintroducing this bipartisan effort to safeguard livestock.

“Cattle fever ticks are a major risk for livestock across the Southwest, including in eastern and southern New Mexico. As New Mexico becomes a major hub for cattle imports from Mexico, it’s critical that Congress addresses the risk of cattle fever ticks,” said Sen. Luján. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to support New Mexico farmers, ranchers, and producers, and keep livestock safe.”

In parallel with this Senate initiative, Representative Monica De La Cruz has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House.

The proposed bill mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture collaborate with either a land-grant or non-land-grant college specializing in agriculture to evaluate the USDA's current eradication program's effectiveness. The study would culminate in a report offering recommendations for program enhancements.

The Texas Farm Bureau and Texas Cattle Feeders Association have endorsed this legislative proposal.