The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is mandated to contract with either a land-grant college or university, or a non-land-grant college of agriculture, to evaluate the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program.
The evaluation must assess:
The program's effectiveness in preventing and reducing the spread of tick-borne illnesses in cattle.
The benefits of the program and the burdens of compliance for cattle producers.
The treatment protocols developed and implemented under the program.
The federal and state funds allocated to support the program for the most recent fiscal year, including funds allocated to each research project associated with the program.
Within one year of entering into a contract for the program's review, the USDA must submit a report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
The report should include the results of the review and recommendations for improvements to the program, specifically aiming to reduce the burden of compliance on cattle producers.
Definitions provided in the legislation include:
"Covered institution" as either a land-grant college or university or a non-land-grant college of agriculture.
"Land-grant college or university" and "non-land-grant college of agriculture" as defined in section 1404 of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977.
"Program" refers to the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program conducted by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in coordination with the Texas Animal Health Commission.