Spread of cattle fever tick concern as border violence continues

As drug cartel violence continues to plague the U.S.-Mexico border, Texas cattle raisers are concerned about how this issue will impact the Texas cattle herd, specifically the spread of cattle fever ticks along the border. Due to personnel safety concerns, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) modified the cattle inspection protocol for Mexican cattle being imported into Texas. This inspection now occurs on Texas soil rather than in Mexico. The activities of livestock border guards, also known as "tick riders" have also been adjusted to enhance safety. Additionally, Texas Animal Health Inspection Commission (TAHC) officials no longer make inspections in Mexican states along the border...more