Press Release

Rep. Cuellar Protects Farmers and Ranchers from Economic Losses of Fever Tick Outbreak

Rep. Cuellar’s language in Farm Bill provides financial security to South Texas farmers and ranchers for the first time

Washington, October 28, 2014

Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced today that he was successful in including language that will protect South Texas farmers and ranchers from economic losses due to a fever tick outbreak.    

“During my time in the United States Congress, I have been an advocate for the interests of farmers and ranchers living in the 28th District of Texas,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “Constituents living in my district have raised their concern about the deadly fever tick disease particular to South Texas that affects cattle.  That is why I fought to include language in the 2013 Farm Bill to protect South Texas ranchers from the threat of a fever tick outbreak and insure that ranchers have the opportunity to receive some compensation for losses.”

Congressman Cuellar’s language protects farmers and ranchers from the potential economic damage of a fever tick outbreak.  Through an expansion of the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), ranchers will now have the ability to receive some compensation for the losses incurred due to this vicious pest. According to an economic impact report prepared in 2010 by the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University, a small outbreak could cost the economy $123 million, with subsequent annual costs of about $97 million per year.

Resources to Combat Fever Ticks for South Texans:

A recent outbreak of fever ticks in Cameron County has resulted in the establishment of a Temporary Preventative Quarantine Area to stop the further spread of the tick in South Texas, effective October 7th, 2014.  If you believe that you have ticks either on your property or on your livestock, please call the Texas Farm Service Agency at 979-680-5151 or visit their website here. 

Cameron County livestock movement restrictions and inspections: 956-546-6004

Cameron County wildlife movement restrictions and inspections (live animals, capes, hides, etc): 956-254-3507

Texas Animal Health Commission Fever Tick Brochure

New Temporary Cattle Fever Tick Preventative Quarantine Area in Cameron County 

Temporary Preventative Quarantine Area Notice

Temporary Preventative Quarantine Area Map

United States Department of Agriculture Pest Alert Flier  

My district and Washington, D.C. offices are also available for any questions or concerns you may have.  If we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to call.