(a) Official Test. A complement fixation test (CFT) or competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) are the official tests for equine piroplasmosis.
(b) Authorization to conduct test. Only a test applied and reported by a laboratory approved by the commission will be considered an official test. Only samples collected by or under the direct supervision of an authorized veterinarian accompanied by a completed Equine Piroplasmosis Laboratory Test chart (form 10-07) will be accepted for official testing.
(c) Reactor. A reactor is any equine which discloses a positive reaction to the official test. The individual collecting the test sample must notify the equine's owner of the quarantine within 48 hours after receiving the results. Movement of all piroplasmosis positive equine and all equine epidemiologically determined to have been exposed to a piroplasmosis positive equine will be restricted. Retests of a reactor may only be performed by a representative of the commission.
(d) Official identification of reactors.
  (1) A reactor must be identified with an implanted radio frequency microchip identification device that provides unique identification for each individual equine and complies with ISO 11784/11785 and one of the following methods as determined by the commission:
    (A) The reactor may be identified with a branded letter "P" applied as a hot-iron brand, freeze-marking brand, hoof brand, or as approved by the commission. For a freeze or hot-iron brand, the "P" brand must be not less than two inches high and shall be applied to the left shoulder or left side of the neck of the reactor. For a hoof brand, the "P" brand must be applied to the front left hoof and reapplied as necessary to maintain visibility;
    (B) Using an identification device or a unique tattoo, approved by the commission, that provides unique identification for each individual equine; or
    (C) Using digital photographs sufficient to identify the individual equine.
  (2) Reactors must be identified by an authorized veterinarian or representative of the commission within 10 days of the date the laboratory completes the test unless the equine is destroyed. Any equine destroyed prior to identification must be described in a written statement by the authorized veterinarian or other authorized personnel certifying to the destruction. This certification must be submitted to the commission within 10 days of the date the equine is destroyed.
(e) Equine entering a racetrack facility, with the exception of thoroughbred horses, must have a negative Piroplasmosis test within the past 12 months. A racetrack facility is grounds used to conduct live horse racing events and is not limited to facilities licensed by the Texas Racing Commission.

Source Note: The provisions of this §49.5 adopted to be effective July 13, 2010, 35 TexReg 6062; amended to be effective June 23, 2011, 36 TexReg 3711; amended to be effective June 3, 2014, 39 TexReg 4238; amended to be effective February 19, 2015, 40 TexReg 698; amended to be effective May 26, 2024, 49 TexReg 3525