WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) yesterday introduced the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act, which would help combat cattle fever tick infestations across the country:   

“Cattle fever tick infestations can cause devastating losses for ranchers across Texas and the nation,” said Sen. 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.”

“Cattle fever ticks are a major risk for livestock across the Southwest, including in eastern and southern New Mexico. As New Mexico becomes a major hub for cattle imports from Mexico, it’s critical that Congress addresses the risk of cattle fever ticks,” said Sen. Luján. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to support New Mexico farmers, ranchers, and producers, and keep livestock safe.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Monica De La Cruz (TX-15).

Background:

In recent years, cattle fever tick infestations have skyrocketed, threatening the cattle industry across Texas and the nation. This legislation would direct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into a contract with a land-grant college or university or a non-land-grant college of agriculture to study the effectiveness of the USDA’s Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and would require a report on any suggestions for improvements to the program.

This legislation is endorsed by the Texas Farm Bureau and the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.