News Update
March 9, 2006

 

Canadian BSE Investigation Completed

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has completed its investigation into the country’s case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) confirmed Jan. 22, the CFIA has reported.

According to CFIA, the investigation detected no additional cases of the disease. Two of the affected animal’s offspring and 156 cattle born on the farm of origin were traced.

Furthermore, contaminated feed was found to be the probable source of infection, although the origin of the feed could not be determined.

A complete investigation summary is available at www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/bseesb/ab2006/4investe.shtml.

 

American Angus Association^SM to Bring Performance Sessions to Texas

The American Angus Association is conducting a series of programs for its members in Texas that focus on the basics of using performance programs. Four sessions are scheduled April 24-27, all beginning at 6 p.m.

“Members in Texas make up a large group of our performance program users at the Association,” says Bill Bowman, vice president of information and data and director of performance programs. “Our meetings are targeted toward the Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR^SM) system, providing information that will benefit a wide range of breeder needs.”

Bowman will cover the basics of AHIR, from taking weights to submitting them. He will also explain how performance data is interpreted.

Sessions are planned for Monday, April 24, in Mount Pleasant at the Titus County Civic Center; Tuesday, April 25, in College Station at the Texas A&M Beef Center; Wednesday, April 26, in Cleburne at the West End Grill; and Thursday, April 27, in Lindsay at the Smokehouse Restaurant. There is no cost to attend, but a Dutch-treat meal will be available at the Cleburne and Lindsay locations.

— Release provided by the American Angus Association.

 

TAHC Cancels Meeting

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has canceled its March 23 meeting, which had been scheduled in Round Rock, near Austin. The commissioners had planned to consider proposed regulations that would require registration of sites where livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl and exotic fowl are held, managed or handled, and to charge a fee for premises registration. More than 8,200 of the state’s estimated 200,000 premises have been registered as of March 8, and voluntary premises registration continues.

“We are seeking from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) clear direction on National Animal Identification System (NAIS) timelines for implementation,” said Bob Hillman, Texas’ state veterinarian and TAHC executive director. He explained that, after the passage of HB 1361, the TAHC commissioners proposed regulations for premises registration, and in February, conducted a commission meeting to hear comments on the proposals. The commissioners continue to consider the comments they received.

“The next meeting of the commission is scheduled Thursday, May 4,” Hillman said. “However, the agenda for that meeting will not be developed until late April. It is too early to know whether the proposed regulations will be considered at that meeting.”

Information regarding the commission meeting will be announced on the TAHC Web site, in the Texas Register and through public announcement. All TAHC commission meetings are open to the public. For more information, contact TAHC at 1-800-550-8242 or visit www.tahc.state.tx.us.

 

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.