Texas Animal Health Commission
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) was established in 1893 as the Livestock Sanitary Commission and charged with protecting the state's domestic animals "from all contagious or infectious diseases of a malignant character."
Today, TAHC remains true to this charge while evolving with the times to protect the health and marketability of all Texas livestock and poultry, including:
- cattle
- swine
- poultry
- sheep
- goats
- equine family animals
- exotic livestock
The TAHC also works to keep pests from reoccurring as major livestock health hazards. Ultimately, the TAHC's mission and role is the assurance of marketability and mobility of Texas livestock. The TAHC works to sustain and continue to make a vital contribution to a wholesome and abundant supply of meat, eggs, and dairy products at affordable costs.
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has legislative authority to make and enforce regulations to prevent, control, and eradicate specific infectious animal diseases which endanger livestock. TAHC regulations are made and adopted by 13 governor-appointed commissioners who represent the general public and various livestock industries and professions. The commissioners serve staggered six-year terms and meet as needed to study the regulatory needs of the agency, review public comments on proposed regulation changes, and adopt new rules when necessary.
Agency headquarters are in Austin. Six region offices are strategically located across the state so the staff can work more effectively with ranchers, livestock markets and slaughter plant personnel, and other livestock industry representatives.
Agency Vision
Through the cooperative efforts of the Texas Animal Health Commission, animal producers, and allied industry groups, the animal population of Texas is healthy and secure.
Agency Mission
The mission of the Texas Animal Health Commission is:
- to protect the animal industry from, and/or mitigate the effects of domestic, foreign and emerging diseases;
- to increase the marketability of Texas livestock and poultry commodities at the state, national, and international level;
- to promote and ensure animal health and productivity;
- to protect human health from animal diseases and conditions that are transmissible to people; and
- to prepare for and respond to emergency situations involving animals.
The agency accomplishes this mission by conducting agency business in a responsive, cooperative, and transparent manner.
Agency Philosophy
The Texas Animal Health Commission will carry out its mission with honesty, openness, and efficiency. We will use the best available resources, technology, and trained personnel to achieve the agency goals. We will listen to and respect the opinions and concerns of the people of Texas. We will encourage and promote open communication between all parties. We will strive to continuously develop new or enhance existing relationships among government, industry, and private citizens to realize our vision of a healthy and secure animal population in Texas.
Agency Strategic Plans
Finance, Budget, & Appropriations Information
Operating Budgets
- TAHC Operating Budget FY 2024
- TAHC Operating Budget FY 2022
- TAHC Operating Budget FY 2020
- TAHC Operating Budget FY 2018
Legislative Appropriations Requests
Annual Financial Reports
Internal Audit Reports
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) conducts internal audits in accordance with the Texas Internal Auditing Act (Texas Government Code, ยง2102.008). The internal audits are designed to provide a review of all areas considered risky. Audits are conducted in accordance with the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) Government Auditing Standards, and conforms with the Institute of Internal Auditor's (IIA) International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. The scope of the internal audit work is to ensure compliance with the Texas Agriculture Code, and TAHC rules, policies, and procedures, as well as all applicable federal and state laws.
The internal audit reports are presented, reviewed, and approved by the Audit Subcommittee. For more information regarding audit subcommittee meetings, visit the TAHC Open Meetings webpage.
