EMERGENCY RULES
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately.
Purpose: The state veterinarian has determined that there is an increased threat from tuberculosis in cattle that participate in rodeos or other timed events. Cattle used for rodeo or timed events in Washington state must be accompanied by proof of a negative bovine tuberculosis test within the last twelve months before entry into the state. This immediate action is necessary to protect the health of Washington state livestock and citizens.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 16-54-085.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 16.36 RCW.
Other Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW.
Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: See Purpose above.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: September 17, 2007.
Robert W. Gore
Deputy Director
OTS-1026.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-14-056, filed 6/28/07,
effective 7/29/07)
WAC 16-54-085
Domestic bovine tuberculosis requirements.
(1) All domestic bovine from a modified accredited advanced or
lower state must have a negative TB test within sixty days
before entry into Washington state. Domestic bovine from a
modified accredited or lower state shall be held separate and
apart from native cattle for sixty days and retested negative
at least sixty days after entry into Washington state.
(2) Dairy cattle six months of age or older must:
(a) Test negative for bovine tuberculosis within sixty days before entering Washington state; and
(b) Be identified with a USDA silver identification ear tag, or a USDA-approved RFID tag, or an orange brucellosis vaccination tag.
(3) Dairy heifers and bull calves less than six months of age must:
(a) Be issued a hold order or a quarantine order that requires the animals to be taken directly to a designated premises or facility;
(b) Be held separate and apart from all other domestic bovine until they test negative for bovine tuberculosis after six months of age; and
(c) Be identified with a USDA silver identification ear tag, or a USDA-approved RFID tag, or an orange brucellosis vaccination tag.
(4) Cattle used for rodeo or timed events - All cattle used for rodeo or timed events, except those imported directly from Mexico, must be accompanied by proof recorded on a certificate of veterinary inspection of a negative bovine tuberculosis test within twelve months before entry into Washington state. Calves under six months old that were born and have continuously resided in the state of Washington are excluded from this requirement.
(5) Mexican cattle - All cattle imported from Mexico that enter Washington, including those imported for rodeo or recreation purposes, must be sexually neutered and must bear official Mexican identification and brand before entry.
(a) All Mexican cattle must be accompanied by proof of two negative bovine tuberculosis tests conducted in the United States after entry from Mexico. The second negative test must be a minimum of sixty days after the first test and within thirty days before entry into Washington state.
(b) All Mexican cattle that remain in the state of Washington shall be tested annually for tuberculosis.
(c) If Mexican cattle entering Washington state are not accompanied by proof of two negative bovine tuberculosis tests prior to entry, they will be issued a hold order or a quarantine order that requires the animals to be taken directly to a designated premises or facility and kept separate and apart from Washington cattle until the completion of required tests.
(d) Sexually intact Mexican beef cattle may enter only with a prior entry permit and at the discretion of the director.
Exemptions to domestic bovine tuberculosis test requirements.
(((5))) (6) Dairy cattle are exempt from bovine
tuberculosis testing requirements if they:
(a) Originate from an accredited bovine tuberculosis-free herd, as defined by USDA, APHIS in Title 9 CFR Chapter 1 Part 77 (January 1, 2006), and if an accredited herd number and the date of the last bovine tuberculosis test are shown on the certificate of veterinary inspection;
(b) Are consigned to federally inspected slaughter plants for immediate slaughter; or
(c) Are consigned to slaughter through state and federally approved sale yards and remain in slaughter channels.
(((6))) (7) Adult dairy cows from Oregon and Idaho that
have not met the department's brucellosis and tuberculosis
requirements may enter a WSDA approved
brucellosis/tuberculosis holding facility in Washington state
until testing requirements have been met.
(((7))) (8) Dairy steers and spayed heifers are exempt
from bovine tuberculosis testing requirements before entry
into Washington state if they are entering restricted feedlots
to be fed for slaughter.
(((8))) (9) Mexican cattle are exempt from the second
bovine tuberculosis test and isolation requirements if their
official Mexican identification remains intact and they are
consigned to a federally inspected slaughter plant for
immediate slaughter.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 16.36 and 34.05 RCW. 07-14-056, § 16-54-085, filed 6/28/07, effective 7/29/07.]