ND Requires Canadian Cattle Testing

BISMARCK – Nov 7/07 - SNS -- Canadian cattle and bison must be tested for tuberculosis and brucellosis and meet other import requirements before being allowed into the state of North Dakota.

The North Dakota State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) said its action relates to the U.S. government's November 19 implementation of the rule to allow the importation of breeding cattle from Canada, said Dr. Susan Keller, North Dakota state veterinarian. "When that rule takes effect, all Canadian cattle, born after March 1, 1999, can be imported into the U.S."

The board ordered that all animals have a BOAH importation permit number and a certificate of veterinary inspection with an individual official identification prior to entry into North Dakota. In addition, all animals must continue to have a CAN hot iron or freeze brand on the right hip.

Other requirements include calfhood brucellosis vaccination of all female cattle over 12 months of age. All test-eligible cattle and bison (18 months of age and older) must test negative for brucellosis within 30 days prior to importation.

A negative test for tuberculosis will be required on all animals 60 days of age and older within 60 days prior to entry. Nursing calves accompanying negative-tested dam are exempt.

Keller said these test requirements are similar to those were required in the past when Canadian breeding cattle were allowed to be imported.

Trichomonas foetus testing requirements put in place earlier this year by the board also apply to Canadian bulls.

Canadian live cattle under 30 months of age and beef from such animals have been allowed into the U.S. since July 2005. Under the new rule, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will allow imports of cattle and bison born on or after March 1, 1999, and meat from all animals.