The Texas Animal Health Commission, originally called the Livestock Sanitary Commission until 1959, was created in 1893 (23rd Legislature, Regular Session, Substitute House Bill 112) to eradicate fever ticks. Later the legislature broadened the scope of the commission's responsibility to control and eradicate other livestock and poultry diseases recognized to be infectious or contagious such as brucellosis, tuberculosis, hog cholera, and pullorum typhoid. The commission has divided the state into 12 geographical areas, with a veterinarian assigned to supervise each area. The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) inspectors and veterinarians cooperate closely with the commission on disease control programs. A major program of the commission is brucellosis eradication. This program is supported by USDA funding for field testing, testing at livestock markets, and laboratory and clerical support.

The policymaking body of the agency is a twelve member commission, appointed by the governor with concurrence of the senate for overlapping six-year terms. Three members are from the general public, one member from the veterinary profession, and one member is appointed from each of the following industries: dairy, beef, swine, sheep, goat, poultry, equine, and feedlot and auction market.