Testimony of Larry A. Schuler, DVM
State Veterinarian and
Executive Officer of the State Board of Animal Health
Senate Bill 2201
Senate Agriculture Committee
Roosevelt Park Room
January 24, 2003

Chairman Flakoll and Committee members, my name is Larry Schuler. I am the state veterinarian and executive officer of the State Board of Animal Health. I am here to testify in favor of SB 2201, which deals with changes relating to requirements for calfhood vaccination of cattle against brucellosis prior to importation into North Dakota.

The current statute exempts female cattle from "brucellosis free" states that do
not require North Dakota-origin female cattle to be calfhood vaccinated. This
current statute is somewhat restrictive in that it allows us to only reciprocate with
"brucellosis free states". The proposed changes allow us to reciprocate with "a
free state, a United States possession, or a Canadian province or territory". We
anticipate changes in Canada's recognition of the United States brucellosis
status and, therefore, have proposed this change.

There are still safeguards built into the statute. North Dakota can only exempt Canadian cattle from the calfhood vaccination requirement if Canada (or another
free state) does not place requirements on North Dakota-origin female cattle
regarding calfhood vaccination or brucellosis testing before entry.

In addition, the proposed statute more clearly defines the procedure for a
producer to request a waiver to the calfhood vaccination requirement and
defines the actions the board may take in granting a waiver.

Chairman Flakoll and committee members, I urge a do pass on SB 2201. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.