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Agency Overview
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) was founded in 1893 with a mission to address the Texas fever tick problem. Today, TAHC works to protect the health of all Texas livestock, including:
- cattle
- swine
- poultry
- sheep
- goats
- equine family animals
- exotic livestock
TAHC also works to keep pests from reoccurring as major livestock health hazards. Ultimately, the TAHC mission and role is the assurance of marketability and mobility of Texas livestock. TAHC works to sustain and continue to make a vital contribution to a wholesome and abundant supply of meat, eggs, and dairy products at affordable costs.
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has legislative authority to make and enforce regulations to prevent, control, and eradicate specific infectious animal diseases which endanger livestock. TAHC regulations are made and adopted by 13 governor-appointed commissioners who represent the general public and various livestock industries and professions. The commissioners serve staggered six-year terms and meet as needed to study the regulatory needs of the agency, review public comments on proposed regulation changes, and adopt new rules when necessary.
Agency headquarters are in Austin. Eight area offices are strategically located across the state so the staff can work more effectively with ranchers, livestock market and slaughter plant personnel, and other livestock industry representatives. Four laboratories provide provide serological and microbiological diagnostic services for cattle brucellosis, swine brucellosis, and pseudorabies. The Austin laboratory provides identification of pest specimens such as screwworm fly larvae, scabies mites, and ticks collected from livestock.
Agency Vision
Through the cooperative efforts of the Texas Animal Health Commission, animal producers, and allied industry groups, the animal population of Texas is healthy and secure.
Agency Mission
The mission of the Texas Animal Health Commission is:
- to protect the animal industry from, and/or mitigate the effects of domestic, foreign and emerging diseases;
- to increase the marketability of Texas livestock commodities at the state, national and international level;
- to promote and ensure animal health and productivity;
- to protect human health from animal diseases and conditions that are transmissible to people; and,
- to prepare for and respond to emergency situations involving animals
by conducting agency business in a responsive, cooperative and transparent manner.
Agency Philosophy
The Texas Animal Health Commission will carry out its mission with honesty, openness and efficiency. We will use the best available resources, technology and trained personnel to achieve the agency goals. We will listen to and respect the opinions and concerns of the people of Texas. We will encourage and promote open communication between all parties. We will strive to continuously develop new, or enhance existing relationships, among government, industry, and private citizens to realize our vision of a healthy and secure animal population in Texas.