Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act
Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act
Plain Language Summary
# Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to hire an independent college or university to evaluate the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program, which currently works to prevent the spread of cattle fever ticks and the disease they carry (bovine babesiosis). The evaluation would assess how well the program prevents tick-borne illnesses, review the treatment methods used, and analyze both the benefits and compliance costs for cattle ranchers. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects cattle producers and ranchers, particularly in Texas where the program operates.
It also involves the USDA and agricultural institutions that would conduct the evaluation. Consumers could be indirectly affected since the program helps maintain healthy cattle herds and food safety. **Current Status** The bill (HR 388) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement ActThis bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into a contract to evaluate the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. Under the program, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service works in coordination with the Texas Animal Health Commission to combat the spread of cattle fever ticks, which can spread a serious cattle disease called bovine babesiosis or cattle fever.Specifically, USDA must enter into a contract to review and report on the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program with a (1) land-grant college or university, or (2) non-land-grant college of agriculture.The review must include an evaluation of the program's (1) effectiveness with respect to preventing and reducing the spread of tick-borne illnesses in cattle; and (2) benefits, and the burdens of compliance, to cattle producers.The review must also evaluate the treatment protocols developed and implemented under the program.Further, the review must evaluate the federal and state funds allocated to support the program for the most recent fiscal year.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.