New Board of Animal Health rules address needs of today

Saint Paul, Minn - The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced that its new rules are now in effect. The Board has been working with livestock groups to adopt rules that allow the Board to control diseases and are sensible for Minnesota farmers.

“After four years of talking with stakeholders, we are pleased to have rules that address the topics facing livestock agriculture today,” said Dr. Bill Hartmann, state veterinarian and executive director of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. “Thanks to the input of producers, the new rules will better equip us to do our job while making sure they can still do theirs.”

The new rules were drafted with animal traceability in mind. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had been working to adopt a federal traceability rule for several years. The Board took a proactive approach to federal requirements and included language that enhances Minnesota’s ability to effectively trace livestock during disease events. An overhaul of the rules was also needed to eliminate outdated language, clarify the Board’s authorities, address current topics and consolidate rules into a new, easy-to-understand chapter.

Here are the most notable changes:

Cattle and bison: Breeding cattle, rodeo cattle and all cattle for exhibition must be officially identified upon movement from the herd to another location, with certain exceptions. Records of cattle movements into and out of herds must be kept on the farm for five years.

Swine: Swine moving within the state must be officially identified with certain exceptions.

Poultry: The Salmonella typhimurium import requirement for turkeys, poults and turkey hatching eggs has been removed. There will be mandatory permitting, inspections and testing at live bird markets. Rules relating to poultry community sales and exhibitions have been shortened and clarified.

Farmed deer and elk: All farmed deer and elk must be identified with an official eartag. Deer and elk that are 12 months of age and over that die or are slaughtered must be tested for chronic wasting disease.

The Board is offering free official eartags to veterinarians and cattle, bison and farmed cervidae producers as funding allows. Order tags online or call 651-296-2942 for more information or to place an order.

View the complete Board of Animal Health rules.

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