US funds US$4.9 million to control cattle fever ticks in Texas

The US government announced on Monday (Jan 12) that US$4.9 million will be funded for the control of cattle fever ticks in Texas.

Fort Worth-based Texas and South-western Cattle Raisers Association president, Jon Means said federal funding for the control of fever ticks is desperately needed in order to address the current infestation in the temporary quarantine zones.

Means said cattle ticks could spread the fever throughout the nation's cow herd, without the new funds, resulting in losses of US$1 billion a year to the beef industry and rising food costs for consumers.

He said more work needs to be done to combat the current fever tick crisis.

He also said they will work with federal and state government officials to ensure US beef supply is kept affordable, safe and secure for America.

Fever ticks can carry and transmit a tiny parasite that causes ''cattle tick fever,'' a disease that can kill up to 90 percent of infected cattle.