Dr. Dan Baca

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  www.agjournalonline.com/newspages/040403/aroundthearena - [Cached Version]
  Last Visited: 6/16/2003  

  Fifty-four TB-infected Mexican-origin steers were detected at Texas slaughter plants during an 18-month period from 2001-2002, said veterinarian Dan Baca of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock and poultry health regulatory agency.
  
  "Six of the 54 infected animals were Mexican steers that had been used for roping and rodeo, and we must control the risk posed by these animals," he said.
  
  "Before being used for roping or rodeos, Mexican-origin steers must have a negative cattle TB test in the U.S. by an accredited private veterinary practitioner.The test must be conducted within 12 months prior to being used for sport," Baca said."The animals then must be retested annually thereafter."
  
  TB test documents must accompany the animals to events, where animal health inspectors may check shipments for compliance with testing requirements.
  
  Dr. Baca, the TAHC's TB epidemiologist, explained identification for the tested animal can include a Mexican blue eartag or silver USDA ear tag.Also acceptable are hide or horn brands or an ear tattoo that will provide unique identification for the animal.
  
  "A few weeks ago, the TAHC commissioners put additional regulations ‘on hold' for Mexican imported steers, due to budget and staffing shortfalls.Since then, we have fielded a number of questions, and we wanted to clarify the regulations that are in effect," he said.
  
  Dr. Baca said he has been asked why Mexican-origin roping steers must have a TB test in the U.S, while imported Mexican feeder steers are exempt.
  ...
  Dr. Baca pointed out that, in 2004, the TAHC commissioners will review the testing requirements for imported rodeo and roping steers.
  
  "If testing provides proof that these animals do not pose a threat of disease, the commissioners will consider rescinding the regulation," he said.
  
  To aid the TAHC and the industry in gathering accurate statistics, he said the words "Mexican roping cattle" should be written on TB test charts by the private veterinary practitioner conducting the test.
  
  "If we are to regain-and maintain-our free status, hopefully by 2004, we must keep our domestic cattle herds free of disease and reduce risk wherever possible," said Dr. Baca."By having imported rodeo and roping steers tested in the U.S. prior to use, and requiring an annual retest, we may prevent infection from spreading to a domestic cattle herd," he said.

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  2002 NADeFA Annual Conference and the World Deer... - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 2/19/2002    Last Visited: 1/12/2003  

  Dr. Dan Baca--TAHC
  ...
  Dr. Dan Baca--TAHC

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  Agriscape Press Release - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 7/19/2003    Last Visited: 7/21/2005  

  The test must be conducted within 12 months prior to being used for sport," explained veterinarian Dan Baca of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock and poultry health regulatory agency."The animals then must be retested annually thereafter."TB test documents must accompany the animals to events, where TAHC animal health inspectors may check shipments for compliance with testing requirements.Dr. Baca, the TAHC's TB epidemiologist, explained identification for the tested animal can include a Mexican blue eartag or silver USDA ear tag.Also acceptable are hide or horn brands or an ear tattoo that will provide unique identification of the animal."A few weeks ago, the TAHC commissioners put additional regulations 'on hold' for Mexican imported steers, due to budget and staffing shortfalls.Since then, we have fielded a number of questions, and we wanted to clarify the regulations that are in effect," he said.Dr. Baca said he has been asked why Mexican-origin roping steers must have a TB test in the U.S, while imported Mexican feeder steers are exempt.
  ...
  Dr. Baca said 54 TB-infected Mexican-origin steers were detected at Texas slaughter plants during an 18-month period from 2001-2002."Six of the 54 infected animals were Mexican steers that had been used for roping and rodeo, and we must control the risk posed by these animals," he said.Dr. Baca pointed out that, in 2004, the TAHC commissioners will review the testing requirements for imported rodeo and roping steers."If testing provides proof that these animals do not pose a threat of disease, the commissioners will consider rescinding the regulation," he said.
  
  To aid the TAHC and the industry in gathering accurate statistics, he said the words "Mexican roping cattle" should be written on TB test charts by the private veterinary practitioner conducting the test..Texas lost its TB-free status in June 2002, after two infected herds were detected in 2001."If we are to regain-and maintain-our free status, hopefully by 2004, we must keep our domestic cattle herds free of disease and reduce risk wherever possible," said Dr. Baca."By having imported rodeo and roping steers tested in the U.S. prior to use, and requiring an annual retest, we may prevent infection from spreading to a domestic cattle herd," he said.

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  Animals Exotic and Small Magazine > Texas Livestock... - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 6/22/2001    Last Visited: 4/24/2003  

  Dr. Dan Baca, the TAHC's TB epidemiologist, explained that, of the 26
  ...
  Dr. Baca.
  ...
  As of early September, Dr. Baca said nearly half of the 79 exposed animalshave been slaughtered and examined.
  ...
  potential disease problems," said Dr. Baca."Furthermore, we'll be testing

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  Anthrax - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 2/12/2001    Last Visited: 7/12/2001  

  The disease often occurs after we have periods of wet, cool weather followed by a several weeks of hot and dry conditions," explained Dr. Dan Baca, a veterinary epidemiologist with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock health regulatory agency."When livestock graze in an affected pasture, they can ingest the spores that are on the grass or ground.Historically, most of Texas' cases each year occur in a triangle bounded by Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass."
  
  ...
  occur anywhere in Texas, stated Dr. Baca.
  ...
  Dr. Baca said ranches with confirmed cases are quarantined until at least 10 days after all livestock are vaccinated, and after proper disposal of all carcasses."By halting the movement of animals, any livestock exposed or incubating the disease will not spread infection to other ranches," he said."It's not unusual for one premise to have livestock losses, while livestock on an adjacent ranch remain healthy."
  
  Anthrax is a reportable disease in Texas.While laboratory tests, conducted by the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in College Station, are needed to confirm infection, Dr. Baca said that suspected cases also are to be reported to the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242.A veterinarian is available to take calls 24 hours a day.If outbreaks occur in dairy animals, Dr. Baca advised producers to call the TAHC immediately for assistance to prevent potential human exposure through milk products.
  
  Signs of the disease in livestock and deer can include sudden death, rapid bloating of the carcass, and blood oozing from body openings."After talking with several ranchers, we're assuming a number of suspected cases occur each year, but are not reported," he said.
  
  To prevent contaminating the ground with anthrax spores which can remain dormantfor years, Dr. Baca said TAHC regulations require that the property or livestock owner thoroughly burn carcasses of animals that may have died from anthrax.The animal's bedding, manure and the surrounding soil also should be burned.This keeps predators or wild pigs, coyotes or dogs from being exposed to the disease.Because anthrax strikes during dry periods, he said carcass disposal can pose its own dangers, so precautions must be taken to keep the fires from 'getting out of hand.' To avoid spreading spores, he said the TAHC recommends that carcasses be burned where they lay.
  
  Dr. Baca also advised producers to wear long sleeves and gloves when handling the carcasses or when working or vaccinating livestock to avoid contaminating any sores or scratches on arms or hands.General sanitation procedures should be followed after handling livestock, and equipment used on the animals should be disinfected.Pets should be kept away from dead carcasses.Bones of dead animals may also pose a disease threat.Healthy animals should be moved from anthrax-contaminated areas.
  
  "It is possible for ranchers to contract a skin form of anthrax, so if any wounds appear to be infected, see your physician for appropriate antibiotic treatment," he said.
  ...
  "Hunters often ask about anthrax, and by the time hunting season starts, cool weather usually puts an end to any cases," said Dr. Baca."However, my best advice always is to shoot only healthy-looking animals.By the time an animal displays signs of anthrax that can include staggering, trembling or convulsions, death is inevitable."
  
  Dr. Baca said several steps need to be taken when anthrax occurs:
  
  1. Properly dispose of animal carcasses by burning to prevent exposure to otheranimals, such as predators or dogs.Remove healthy livestock from the area.
  
  2. Vaccinate livestock if cases occur in the surrounding areas.Because the anthrax vaccine is a "live" vaccine, it should not be administered concurrently with antibiotics.

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  Anthrax in Texas - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 7/1/2001    Last Visited: 1/14/2004  

  The disease often occurs after we have periods of wet, cool weather followed by a several weeks of hot and dry conditions," explained Dr. Dan Baca, a veterinary epidemiologist with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock health regulatory agency.
  ...
  However, if conditions are right, cases could occur anywhere in Texas, stated Dr. Baca.
  ...
  Dr. Baca said ranches with confirmed cases are quarantined until at least 10 days after all livestock are vaccinated, and after proper disposal of all carcasses."By halting the movement of animals, any livestock exposed or incubating the disease will not spread infection to other ranches," he said."It's not unusual for one premise to have livestock losses, while livestock on an adjacent ranch remain healthy."
  
  Anthrax is a reportable disease in Texas.While laboratory tests, conducted by the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in College Station, are needed to confirm infection, Dr. Baca said that suspected cases also are to be reported to the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242.A veterinarian is available to take calls 24 hours a day.If outbreaks occur in dairy animals, Dr. Baca advised producers to call the TAHC immediately for assistance to prevent potential human exposure through milk products.
  
  Signs of the disease in livestock and deer can include sudden death, rapid bloating of the carcass, and blood oozing from body openings."After talking with several ranchers, we're assuming a number of suspected cases occur each year, but are not reported," he said.
  
  To prevent contaminating the ground with anthrax spores which can remain dormant for years, Dr. Baca said TAHC regulations require that the property or livestock owner thoroughly burn carcasses of animals that may have died from anthrax.The animal's bedding, manure and the surrounding soil also should be burned.This keeps predators or wild pigs, coyotes or dogs from being exposed to the disease.Because anthrax strikes during dry periods, he said carcass disposal can pose its own dangers, so precautions must be taken to keep the fires from 'getting out of hand.' To avoid spreading spores, he said the TAHC recommends that carcasses be burned where they lay.
  
  Dr. Baca also advised producers to wear long sleeves and gloves when handling the carcasses or when working or vaccinating livestock to avoid contaminating any sores or scratches on arms or hands.
  ...
  "Hunters often ask about anthrax, and by the time hunting season starts, cool weather usually puts an end to any cases," said Dr. Baca."However, my best advice always is to shoot only healthy-looking animals.By the time an animal displays signs of anthrax that can include staggering, trembling or convulsions, death is inevitable."
  
  Dr. Baca said several steps need to be taken when anthrax occurs:

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  Ardmoreite.comTexas cattle herds expected to lose... - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 3/24/2002    Last Visited: 3/24/2002  

  "Producers in other states would be less likely to buy Texas cattle even if they had tested negative for TB," said Dan Baca, an epidemiologist for the state Animal Health Commission.
  
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  Articles, News, Tips - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 3/27/2003    Last Visited: 9/6/2004  

  The test must be conducted within 12 months prior to being used for sport, " explained veterinarian Dan Baca of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state 's livestock and poultry health regulatory agency."The animals then must be retested annually thereafter." TB test documents must accompany the animals to events, where TAHC animal health inspectors may check shipments for compliance with testing requirements.
  
  Dr. Baca, the TAHC 's TB epidemiologist, explained identification for the tested animal can include a Mexican blue eartag or silver USDA ear tag.Also acceptable are hide or horn brands or an ear tattoo that will provide unique identification of the animal.
  
  "A few weeks ago, the TAHC commissioners put additional regulations 'on hold ' for Mexican imported steers, due to budget and staffing shortfalls.Since then, we have fielded a number of questions, and we wanted to clarify the regulations that are in effect, " he said.
  
  Dr. Baca said he has been asked why Mexican-origin roping steers must have a TB test in the U.S, while imported Mexican feeder steers are exempt.
  ...
  Dr. Baca said 54 TB-infected Mexican-origin steers were detected at Texas slaughter plants during an 18-month period from 2001-2002."Six of the 54 infected animals were Mexican steers that had been used for roping and rodeo, and we must control the risk posed by these animals, " he said.
  
  Dr. Baca pointed out that, in 2004, the TAHC commissioners will review the testing requirements for imported rodeo and roping steers."If testing provides proof that these animals do not pose a threat of disease, the commissioners will consider rescinding the regulation, " he said.To aid the TAHC and the industry in gathering accurate statistics, he said thewords "Mexican roping cattle " should be written on TB test charts by the private veterinary practitioner conducting the test.
  
  Texas lost its TB-free status in June 2002, after two infected herds were detected in 2001."If we are to regain-and maintain-our free status, hopefully by 2004, we must keep our domestic cattle herds free of diseaseand reduce risk wherever possible, " said Dr. Baca."By having imported rodeo and roping steers tested in the U.S. prior to use, and requiring an annual retest, we may prevent infection from spreading to a domestic cattle herd, " he said.

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  Association News - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 5/9/2006    Last Visited: 6/17/2008  

  These two herds-a dairy and a purebred beef herd--have been depopulated and another 150 nearby or epidemiologically linked herds have tested negative for the disease," said veterinarian Dan Baca, who is the TB epidemiologist for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock health regulatory agency.
  ...
  During the past five years, less than one in three million Texas feeder cattle have been found to have TB, so we see these animals as a negligible risk for the disease," said Dr. Baca.
  ...
  "We also see a need to strengthen requirements for feeder cattle entering Texas from Mexico," said Dr. Baca.He explained that, from l997-2001, 109 cases of cattle TB were detected in Mexican feeder cattle that were grazed or fed in Texas.

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  BANSIDHE GRAPHICS - FMD Page - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 1/1/2001    Last Visited: 2/11/2009  

  The disease often occurs after we have periods of wet, cool weather followed by a several weeks of hot and dry conditions," explained Dr. Dan Baca, a veterinary epidemiologist with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock health regulatory agency. "When livestock graze in an affected pasture, they can ingest the spores that are on the grass or ground. Historically, most of Texas' cases each year occur in a triangle bounded by Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass."
  
  The triangular area takes in portions of Crockett, Val Verde, Sutton, Edwards, Kinney, Uvalde and Maverick counties. However, if conditions are right, cases could occur anywhere in Texas, stated Dr. Baca. In l997, cases were confirmed in Edwards, Val Verde, Terrell, Webb, Starr and Uvalde counties. An anthrax case in l997 also was confirmed in Parker County, in north Texas.
  
  Dr. Baca said ranches with confirmed cases are quarantined until at least 10 days after all livestock are vaccinated, and after proper disposal of all carcasses. "By halting the movement of animals, any livestock exposed or incubating the disease will not spread infection to other ranches," he said. "It's not unusual for one premise to have livestock losses, while livestock on an adjacent ranch remain healthy."
  
  Anthrax is a reportable disease in Texas. While laboratory tests, conducted by the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in College Station, are needed to confirm infection, Dr. Baca said that suspected cases also are to be reported to the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242. A veterinarian is available to take calls 24 hours a day. If outbreaks occur in dairy animals, Dr. Baca advised producers to call the TAHC immediately for assistance to prevent potential human exposure through milk products.
  
  Signs of the disease in livestock and deer can include sudden death, rapid bloating of the carcass, and blood oozing from body openings. "After talking with several ranchers, we're assuming a number of suspected cases occur each year, but are not reported," he said.
  
  To prevent contaminating the ground with anthrax spores which can remain dormant for years, Dr. Baca said TAHC regulations require that the property or livestock owner thoroughly burn carcasses of animals that may have died from anthrax. The animal's bedding, manure and the surrounding soil also should be burned. This keeps predators or wild pigs, coyotes or dogs from being exposed to the disease. Because anthrax strikes during dry periods, he said carcass disposal can pose its own dangers, so precautions must be taken to keep the fires from 'getting out of hand.' To avoid spreading spores, he said the TAHC recommends that carcasses be burned where they lay.
  
  Dr. Baca also advised producers to wear long sleeves and gloves when handling the carcasses or when working or vaccinating livestock to avoid contaminating any sores or scratches on arms or hands.
  ...
  "Hunters often ask about anthrax, and by the time hunting season starts, cool weather usually puts an end to any cases," said Dr. Baca. "However, my best advice always is to shoot only healthy-looking animals. By the time an animal displays signs of anthrax that can include staggering, trembling or convulsions, death is inevitable."
  
  Dr. Baca said several steps need to be taken when anthrax occurs:

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