Press Releases

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the “Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act” on Thursday, March 30.

This legislation is critical in helping to combat cattle fever tick infestations that are a constant hardship for many cattle producers. In recent years, cattle fever tick infestations have increased significantly in number. This bill would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a contract with a land-grant college/university or a non-land-grant college of agriculture to study the effectiveness of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and requires a report on any suggestions for improvements to the program.

“We must do everything possible to protect Texas ranchers,” De La Cruz said. “This includes monitoring the effectiveness of programs like the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. If there are ways we can improve this program, we need to know so we can take action before this tick potentially spreads further into the United States. Problems like Cattle Fever Tick are not partisan, and I hope the House acts in a bipartisan manner to quickly pass this bill.”

“Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is supportive of efforts to improve technologies, tactics, and strategies that better manage Cattle Fever Tick outbreaks,” said Melissa Hamilton, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association executive director of government affairs. “The Texas beef industry has a significant impact across our nation, and managing risks associated with Cattle Fever Tick should be top priority.”

“The cattle fever tick continues to pose a major threat to our state and ranchers who continue enduring burdensome costs as they work to protect their herds,” said Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening. “Texas Farm Bureau thanks Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz for introducing legislation to study the viability of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) to ensure we are doing everything possible to control the pest. We look forward to working with leaders of Congress to pass this legislation.”

The USDA’s Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) systematically detects, treats, and works to eradicate tick infestations. In recent years, cattle fever tick infestations have increased significantly in number. Because cattle fever and the ticks that spread it are common to parts of Mexico, the CFTEP’s mounted patrol inspectors routinely perform patrols alongside the Rio Grande. Intercepted animals are inspected, sprayed with the pesticide coumaphos, and quarantined.

The legislation is co-sponsored by Reps. Barry Moore (AL-02), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), and Michael Guest (MS-03).