At the recent State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) meeting, the board changed the requirements for bison imported from Canada to align with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS).
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“As a result of the recent action, bison coming from areas in Canada designated as tuberculosis and brucellosis free will no longer need to be tuberculosis and brucellosis tested,†State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress said.
“Additionally, the identification requirements for bison have been changed to allow for paired tags, as approved by USDA, in lieu of the CÉ…N brand or tattoo.â€
“After considering information presented by industry representatives and Canadian animal health officials, the board determined that this change presented negligible risk to animal health in North Dakota,†Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said.
A permit is required on all bison entering the state, except those for immediate slaughter.
A certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) is required for all bison entering the state. Bison coming for immediate slaughter at a state or federally inspected facility approved to handle bison, may be exempt from CVI requirement.
Individual identification by official USDA metal eartags or approved radio frequency identification (RFID) tags is required for all bison, except those for immediate slaughter.
Brucella Abortus:
Negative test required within 30 days prior to entry on all test eligible bison (18 months of age and older) originating from the following states:
Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, West Virginia and the following counties in Wyoming: Hot Springs, Park, Big Horn, Washakie, Teton, Fremont, Sublette, and Lincoln.
Tuberculosis:
Negative test required on all bison, 60 days of age and older, within 30 days prior to entry (nursing calves accompanying negative-tested dam are exempt), if originating from the following states:
Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, the following counties in Indiana: Franklin, Rush, Fayette, Decatur, Ripley, Dearborn, and Union, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.
Trichomonas foetus:
Non-virgin bulls and all bulls > 24 months of age or older must have one (1) negative PCR test within 60 days prior to importation or three (3) consecutive, weekly, negative culture tests and statement on CVI "no contact with females since date of last test".
Canadian bison requirements:
1. Importation permit number obtained from ND State Board of Animal Health, prior to entry into North Dakota, except those for immediate slaughter.
2. Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).
3. Individual official identification by an electronic identification compatible with the federal animal identification plan and listed individually on certificate of veterinary inspection.
4. CΛN ear tattoo or CΛN brand, high on the right hip
a. In lieu of tattoo or brand, two corresponding ear tags are required. One tag will be an official radio frequency identification (RFID) tag; the other tag will be an unofficial redundant dangle tag with the corresponding RFID number printed on it. Tags should be placed in opposite ears. ■