Border Fence Construction Begins in South Texas

(ZAPATA, TX) As the standoff over a border wall with Mexico continues between President Trump and Congress, another border fence is set for construction. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will begin working with property owners to install 8-foot-tall game fencing along strategic portions of the permanent tick quarantine line in Zapata County, Texas. The purpose of the fence is to protect U.S. livestock from cattle fever ticks and the disease they cause (bovine babesiosis) which is severe and often fatal. The fences will help prevent affected deer from traveling into unaffected areas and is designed to restrict the movement of wildlife. The fencing will stretch over two miles, but if needed and funding is available, could be expanded to up to 50 miles in Maverick, Starr, and Webb counties. The fencing will be paid for by APHIS, and the Texas Animal Health Commission will be responsible for maintenance.