SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6274

          AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES,

                               FEBRUARY 7, 1992

Brief Description:  Expanding department of agriculture scope regarding animal health regulation to exotics and native wildlife raised in captivity.

SPONSORS: Senator Barr; by request of Department of Agriculture

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Gaspard, Hansen, and Newhouse.

Staff:  Bob Lee (786‑7404)

Hearing Dates: January 23, 1992; February 7, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Agriculture currently has authority to take various actions to stop the spread of dangerous diseases affecting domestic animals.  Included is authority to quarantine animals, to adopt rules necessary to prevent the introduction or spread of dangerous diseases, to inspect and test animals imported into this state, and to cooperate with the federal government in the prevention and eradication of diseases affecting domestic animals.

The term "domestic animal" is not currently defined in statute.

SUMMARY:

The powers of the Department of Agriculture to control the spread of dangerous diseases is expanded to include exotic wild animals.  Exotic wild animals are defined as terrestrial wild animals that are not native to Washington or have not been established in the state by wildlife agencies.

Domestic animals are defined by separating them into two classes:  (a) farm animals, and (b) companion animals.  Both of these terms are specifically defined.

It is unlawful for any person to intentionally falsely issue animal health certificates.  The department personnel may enter upon the premises at reasonable times to make tests of exotic animals or native wildlife raised in captivity.

Registered veterinarians are to report to the Department of Agriculture in writing any discovery or suspected existence of reportable diseases affecting exotic wild animals or wildlife raised in captivity.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

Authority is added to the bill for the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules governing the importation and care of nondeleterious exotic wild animals that are raised for the production of food or fiber.  In adopting such rules, the department shall consult with the Department of Wildlife.

Also added is the requirement that meat and meat products of exotic wild animals, whether or not such meat or products originate within the state, shall be inspected by a recognized governmental meat inspection agency before it can be sold in this state.  The Department of Agriculture is to adopt rules to cover the costs of the inspection program.

Appropriation: none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:   requested January 22, 1992

TESTIMONY FOR:

Non-native wild animals shipped into this state are a source of contagious disease that can have a serious adverse effect on both the domestic livestock industry and wildlife in the state.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Mike Sanderson, Dept. of Ag (pro); Clarence Siroky, Dept. of Ag (pro)