Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act of 2025This 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 cattle fever ticks; 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.
The bill seeks to enhance federal and state efforts in addressing cattle fever tick infestations, which could affect livestock health and agricultural economics. By calling for a comprehensive review, the legislation aims to streamline practices and improve efficacy in managing cattle fever ticks. This initiative is significant for cattle producers who may face various challenges and costs associated with compliance under the current program.
Senate Bill 319, titled the 'Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act of 2025', aims to improve the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the existing program by contracting with covered institutions, such as land-grant universities, to evaluate its effectiveness and compliance burdens on cattle producers. The review is mandated to be conducted within a year of the bill's enactment, focusing on aspects like prevention of cattle fever tick spread and the benefits versus compliance burdens faced by producers.
While the text does not specify opposition, typical points of contention around agricultural programs like this may revolve around the financial implications for producers, especially regarding any potential increase in regulatory burdens. Stakeholders might also debate the adequacy of current measures against cattle fever ticks and whether additional regulations could impact farmers' operations. By promising to assess compliance hurdles, the bill attempts to address these concerns proactively and seeks to mitigate any adverse effects on cattle producers.