Daily News Update, Jan. 31, 2008

Gov. Perry appoints members of the Cattle Raisers to the Texas Animal Health Commission

Governor Rick Perry has made new appointments to the 13-member Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and many of the appointees are members of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

Ernie Morales of Devine was selected as chairman of the Commission for a term to expire at the pleasure of the governor. Other TSCRA members appointed are Randy Brown of Lubbock, Kenneth Jordan of San Saba, Mark Wheelis of Victoria and Richard Winters Jr. of Brady. Their terms will expire in 2013.

"We appreciate Governor Perry's selection of so many commissioners that have a working knowledge of beef production. Although these folks will represent different segments of the livestock industry on the Commission, it is definitely to the advantage of beef producers that they are familiar with the cattle-raising industry and the issues that affect it," said TSCRA President Jon Means of Van Horn.

TAHC was founded in 1893 to address the Texas fever tick problem. Today, the agency works to protect the health of all Texas livestock, including cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, animals of the equine family and exotic livestock. TAHC has legislative authority to make and enforce regulations to prevent, control, and eradicate specific infectious animal diseases.

There are eight area offices across the state to work with ranchers, livestock market and slaughter plant personnel and other livestock industry representatives. There are four laboratories that provide diagnostic services.