(a) In accordance with this chapter, the commission shall eradicate all ticks capable of carrying Babesia in this state and shall protect all land, premises, and animals in this state from those ticks and exposure to those ticks.
(b) In carrying out this chapter, the commission may:
(1) adopt necessary rules;
(2) employ necessary personnel, including a chief inspector, chief clerk, stenographers, and clerks, and assign the personnel to perform duties authorized by this chapter or incidental to its enforcement;
(3) assist and cooperate with county officials; and
(4) enter into cooperative agreements with other state agencies or agencies of the federal government.

(c) The commission by rule may provide for the manner and method of treating saddle stock and stock used for gentle work and for the handling and certifying of that stock for movement, but unless the commission so provides, the stock is subject to this chapter as other animals.