On August 31, the state of Louisiana received a temporary waiver of restrictions from Texas to allow beef cattle to evacuate from Louisiana into Texas as a result of Hurricane Isaac.

“I’d like to thank the Texas Animal Health Commission for working with us during our time of need,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “This waiver allows us to get our cattle out of harm’s way as quickly as possible without the necessary paperwork to cross state lines.”

The procedure is as follows: A representative for Louisiana Department of Agriculture or the herd owner must call the Texas Animal health Commission (TAHC) permits line (512-719-0777) or the after-hours permit line (800-550-8242) and request an entry permit number for each shipment of cattle moving into Texas. This entry permit is valid for 10 days. Within 10 days the cattle must be returned to Louisiana or have met Texas entry requirements, which include official identification, a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), and testing of bulls for trichomoniasis.