WSR 19-14-114
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[Filed July 3, 2019, 7:02 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-54 WAC, Animal importation, the department is considering amending chapter 16-54 WAC to:
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| • | Clarify that dogs imported into Washington state (unless exempt) must have a negative heartworm test prior to entry; |
| • | Replace the allowance for a certificate similar to the Washington equine certificate of veterinary inspection and movement permit with an extended equine certificate of veterinary inspection (EECVI); |
| • | Add a definition for EECVI; |
| • | Delete the definition for movement permit; |
| • | Allow horses from all states to utilize EECVI to enter Washington state for shows, rides, or other events; |
| • | Add requirement to submit certificate of veterinary inspections to the department within seven days; and |
| • | Revise language to increase clarity and readability. |
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW
16.36.040.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Heartworm: Washington state receives many dogs from states where heartworm is endemic. In order to protect Washington's canine population the department is proposing to clarify that all dogs six months of age or older imported into Washington (unless exempt) must be tested negative for heartworm or dogs that have tested negative for heartworm are on a heartworm preventative prior to entry.
Current regulations indicate that a negative heartworm test is required or the dogs must be on a heartworm preventative medicine in order to enter Washington state. The department is finding that heartworm positive dogs that are on preventative medicine are being imported into Washington state. Heartworm preventative medicine should only be given to dogs that have tested negative to heartworm.
Equine Extended Certificate of Veterinary Inspection: At the national level, the paper equine passport is being replaced by EECVIs. Global Vet Link (GVL) is the first vendor to develop digital EECVIs to support states that offer electronic six-month health certificates. Through the GVL software system, veterinarians can create an EECVI online, submit it to their state animal health official electronically and provide owners with online access to retrieve their travel permits 24/7. State veterinarians then have access to the itinerary and traceability information real time. Twenty-four states are currently participating in this electronic health certificate that allows faster sharing of results and records between producers, veterinarians, and the state and is an ideal mobile method for frequent horse travelers. Many other states are working on rule changes to allow for EECVI.
Adding the requirement to submit certificate of veterinary inspections within seven days aligns the rule with federal regulations.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholders. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jodi Jones, P.O. Box 42577, Olympia, WA 98504-2577, phone 360-902-1889, fax 360-902-2087, email jjones@agr.wa.gov, web site www.agr.wa.gov.
July 3, 2019
Jodi Jones
Acting Assistant Director