FINAL BILL REPORT

                            SB 5082

                          C 105 L 93

                      SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Including ratites in poultry farming regulations.

SPONSORS: Senators M. Rasmussen, Barr, Erwin and Bauer

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

BACKGROUND:

Ratites are species of flightless birds that include ostrich, emu, and rhea.  Ostriches have been raised on farms in the United States and elsewhere in the world since the early 1900's.

There is an increasing number of ostriches and other ratites in the state of Washington.  Currently, it is unclear whether these animals are subject to the animal disease control authorities of the Department of Agriculture.

SUMMARY:

Legislative recognition is given that raising ratites is an agricultural pursuit.  Ratites are included in the definition of poultry. 

Authority is provided to the Department of Agriculture to develop, in consultation with the ratite industry, an individual ratite identification system and to charge fees sufficient to cover the expenses of the department.

The Department of Agriculture is directed, in consultation with the ratite industry, the poultry industry and other affected groups, to review the adequacy of existing animal health regulations that pertain to ratites.  The department is to adopt rules as deemed necessary to assure the protection of the ratite and poultry industries from potential importation or spread of contagious diseases and parasites.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate    46   0

House     92   0

EFFECTIVE:July 25, 1993