Bill orders outside review of cattle fever tick eradication program

What does this do?

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to arrange an outside review of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program, run by APHIS and the Texas Animal Health Commission. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must offer a contract to a land-grant or similar agricultural university to study the program's effectiveness, including disease prevention, producer costs and benefits, treatment methods, and how federal and state funds are spent. After the review, the Secretary has one year to report findings and improvement recommendations to House and Senate agriculture committees.

Who does it affect?

Cattle ranchers and producers, especially those near the U.S.-Mexico border and in Texas, along with the Department of Agriculture, participating universities, and state animal health agencies.

Why does it matter?

The review could lead to future changes in how the program is run or how producers must comply, though the bill itself does not alter the program.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Reviews federal and state spending
• No dollar amounts specified