Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn and Representative Monica De La Cruz have introduced the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act in the Senate, aiming to tackle cattle fever tick infestations nationwide. The legislation seeks to initiate improvements to the existing program and mitigate losses for ranchers.

"Cattle fever tick infestations can cause devastating losses for ranchers across Texas and the nation," said Senator 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."

Representative De La Cruz emphasized the importance of addressing the rising infestations: "With cattle fever tick infestations on the rise, it is critical that we are taking steps to curb the spread of the disease. I am committed to working with the USDA to monitor the efficacy of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and make any improvements necessary to ensure Texas ranchers and producers have the resources to protect the health of their cattle and the viability of their herds."

The bill was initially introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 14, 2025, with Senator Ben Ray Luján also serving as a cosponsor.

Cattle fever tick infestations have significantly increased in recent years, posing a threat to both Texas's cattle industry and that of other states. The proposed legislation directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collaborate with an academic institution or agricultural college to evaluate USDA's current eradication efforts. It also calls for a report outlining suggestions for program enhancements.

The initiative has received endorsements from organizations such as the Texas Farm Bureau and Texas Cattle Feeders Association.