(a) Only certified veterinarians may perform Trichomoniasis program procedures, including but not limited to, collection of samples for official tests for Trichomoniasis within the state of Texas, submission of samples to official laboratories, identification of tested bulls and virgin bulls, management of Trichomoniasis infected bull herds, movement of infected bulls, and reporting of test results. In order to collect and submit Trichomoniasis samples a veterinary practitioner shall be certified to perform Trichomoniasis program procedures. In order to be certified, a veterinarian shall also have a license to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Texas, USDA-APHIS Category II accreditation, and TAHC authorized personnel status.     
      (b) All veterinarians desiring to perform Trichomoniasis program functions shall participate in a certification program on Trichomoniasis program requirements and procedures before performing any Trichomoniasis program functions, including but not limited to review of the disease, proper sample collection techniques, sample preservation and laboratory submission, identification of animals, management of infected herds and shipment of infected or exposed animals to slaughter. The official certification program shall be conducted by or under the auspices of the Commission. Certified veterinarians shall be recertified every five years.     
      (c) Certified veterinarians shall utilize approved procedures for collection of samples, identification of animals and submission of samples to laboratories.     
      (d) Certified veterinarians shall only utilize the official laboratories for culture of Trichomoniasis samples.     
      (e) Certified veterinarians shall submit all Trichomoniasis samples including all official identification on official Trichomoniasis test and report forms to the TVMDL in accordance with §38.6 of this chapter (relating to Official Trichomoniasis Tests).     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §38.4 adopted to be effective January 1, 2010, 34 TexReg 1977; amended to be effective February 5, 2013, 38 TexReg 494; amended to be effective January 2, 2017, 41 TexReg 10554; amended to be effective December 27, 2022, 47 TexReg 8525