ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 25, 2008

LIVESTOCK EXHIBITORS REMINDED OF TB REQUIREMENTS

BISMARCK – North Dakota’s state veterinarian says owners of cattle, bison, goats, llamas and farmed deer and farmed elk, who plan to exhibit livestock in Minnesota must observe the import regulations of both states.

"Minnesota’s loss of accredited tuberculosis-free status means that most livestock entering North Dakota from Minnesota must meet the new requirements established in March, by the State Board of Animal Health (BOAH),” said Dr. Susan Keller. “These requirements were put in place to lessen the danger of the introduction of bovine TB into North Dakota.”

Keller said persons wishing to exhibit North Dakota cattle at a Minnesota event should first contact the BOAH at (701) 328-2655 to learn if the event has been approved for North Dakota livestock.

"If it is an approved event, the owner should then contact the Minnesota Board of Animal Health to determine its importation requirements,” Keller said. “The owner will need a health certificate from a veterinarian for movement to and from the approved event.”

North Dakota livestock with a health certificate can be directly transported to and from an approved Minnesota event.

Health certificates are required for separate events and are good for up to 30 days.

Keller also cautioned producers who buy cattle from Minnesota that the animals must meet all import requirements.

"We have seen classified ads offering Minnesota animals, especially calves,” Keller said. “Buyers of these animals should understand that the North Dakota importers, not the Minnesota sellers, are legally liable if the animals do not meet North Dakota’s import requirements.”

The requirements state that animals less than 60 days of age must originate from a TB-accredited free herd which has had a negative whole herd test within 6 months prior to importation. Animals less than 60 days of age are also exempt from the test requirement, if accompanying a TB-negative tested dam that is from a herd with a TB-negative whole herd test within 12 months. If the dam’s test was conducted more than 60 days before importation, an individual test is required within 60 days of importation.

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MEDIA: For more information, please call Dr. Susan Keller, Dr. Beth Carlson or Dr. Jesse Vollmer at (701) 328-2655.