Sec. 163.065. BRANDING AND HANDLING OF DISEASED CATTLE. (a) If a tested animal shows evidence of infection with brucellosis, the person performing the test shall handle the animal in accordance with the rules of the commission. The commission may prescribe requirements according to the classification of the area in which the animal is located. Among other requirements, the commission may require the person performing the test to:

(1) furnish the owner of the animal with written data showing that the animal is infected;

(2) fire brand the animal on the left jaw with the letter "B";

(3) place an approved, numbered identification on the animal; and

(4) report the identification number in writing to the commission.

(b) If an animal shows evidence of infection, the herd of which it is a part shall also be handled in accordance with the rules of the commission, which may provide for:

(1) quarantines;

(2) the manner, method, and system of disposing of reactor cattle;

(3) the testing and retesting of the herd; or

(4) other measures, such as quarantine only, where the animals from the herd are sold exclusively for slaughter and where the commission's rules are in compliance with the current requirements of the Brucellosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules of the cooperative state-federal brucellosis eradication program.

Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1416, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981. Amended by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., 1st C.S., p. 19, ch. 3, Sec. 6, eff. June 27, 1983.