Compact With Texans
Introduction
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is committed to providing efficient and effective services to our customers. This Compact sets forth the standards that customers should expect.
Agency Services
Animal Health Management: Agency staff works directly (one-on-one) with many of the producers and through affiliated industry associations for all the various species of animals considered "livestock," such as swine, poultry, sheep and goats, equine (horse-family animals), cattle, exotic livestock, and exotic fowl (which include ostrich and emu). The TAHC has legislative authority to make and enforce regulations to prevent or control and eradicate contagious or infectious diseases such as brucellosis in cattle and swine, tuberculosis in cattle and deer, equine infectious anemia (EIA) in horses, pseudorabies in swine, and other conditions that affect sheep and goats, poultry and other livestock. The TAHC staff also works to keep pests, like fever ticks, screwworms and scabies from reoccurring as major livestock health hazards.
Emergency Management & Response: The TAHC is actively involved in planning for prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in the event of foreign animal disease or pest incursions in the state, or any man-made or natural disasters that may affect the health or well-being of Texas' animal populations. The TAHC will provide the first response to contain and eliminate a foreign or emerging animal disease or pest intrusion. The TAHC will also assist in natural and man-made disaster responses in accordance with the State of Texas Emergency Plan as administered by the Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management. Specific services that TAHC could assist in providing in emergency or disaster situations include animal ownership identification; livestock restraint/capture; carcass disposal; and coordinating on animal health, public health concerns, and chemical/biological terrorism issues.
Texas Rural Awareness Compliance and Education (TRACE): This activity is a proactive effort to acquaint county agents, local veterinarians, agricultural science teachers, county officials, local law enforcement agencies, media outlets, producers and others with the services and programs of TAHC. On a county-by-county basis, TAHC staff explains not only the WHY, but the WHAT, HOW, WHEN and the "good science" behind regulations and best management practices to protect livestock health. Contact the agency for a speaker/presentation at your next event.
Customer Service Principles
TAHC is committed to providing--
1. Easy access to agency services:
- toll-free phone numbers for area offices--a total of 9 locations across Texas
- offices open 8:00-12:00 and 1:00-5:00, Monday-Friday
- phones answered by a "live" person, or automated routing systems that provide access to a "live" person
- services available at times convenient to the customer
- 24-hour answering service for livestock movement entry requirements and permits at 512-719-0777
2. Professional service in a timely manner:
- courteous and responsive staff
- accurate and understandable printed information
- competent and trained professional staff response to emergency within 24 hours
3. On-line information:
- customer-friendly web site
- physical addresses of agency offices
- available services
- contact information
- employment opportunities
4. prompt response to complaints:
- expect prompt acknowledgment of receipt
- expect timely, thorough, and accurate response
Direct any complaints to:
Delores Holubec, Customer Service Representative
P.O. Box 12966, Austin, TX 78711-2966
comments@tahc.state.tx.us
512-719-0704 or 1-800-550-8242 x704
512-719-0721 (fax)
Send requests for information to:
Carla Everett, Public Information Officer
P.O. Box 12966, Austin, TX 78711-2966
ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us
512-719-0710 or 1-800-550-8242 x710
512-719-0721 (fax)
See the contact page for additional contact information for TAHC area offices and laboratories.