AgriLife Extension launches statewide agriculture alert system
Texans can sign up for notifications on new pest and disease cases and quarantines
A new statewide alert system designed to notify Texans about agricultural threats, wildlife diseases, invasive pests and quarantine actions is now available through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
The Texas Agriculture Alert System allows enrollment for email notifications when official agencies:
– Confirm cases of a dangerous plant, wildlife or animal pest and disease.
-Establish or modify quarantine orders administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
– Enter any compliance agreements related to pest and disease outbreaks.
The system is a joint effort between AgriLife Extension, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Animal Health Commission and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The system was developed as requested by the 89th Texas Legislature under House Bill 1592.
Timely, reported information for producers and the public
“The new animal and plant identification system will keep Texans notified of any immediate threats to agriculture and natural resources,” said Dan Hale, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension associate director for agriculture and natural resources, Bryan-College Station. “This notification system allows industry and others to deliver timely information and respond appropriately depending on the nature of an incident.”
The system notifications includes the date, animal or plant category and type of pest or disease found, as well as information about counties impacted by any quarantine in place.
Notifications are distributed via e-mail. There are options to subscribe by county or statewide.
PHOTO: A new statewide alert system designed to notify Texans about agricultural threats, wildlife diseases, invasive pests and quarantine actions is now available through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.(Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)
