(1)(a) The director may certify veterinarians, who are licensed and accredited in Washington state and field livestock inspectors who comply with the requirements of this section, to issue livestock inspection certificates.

(b) Certified veterinarians and field livestock inspectors may not conduct inspections at certified feedlots, slaughter plants, public livestock markets, or special sales unless the department has notified the facility in writing that department inspectors are not available to conduct inspections. If the department notifies a facility that its inspectors are not available to conduct inspections, the facility may use a certified veterinarian or field livestock inspector to conduct inspections during the period, as specified by the department, in which department inspectors are not available.

(c)(i) Certified veterinarians and field livestock inspectors may not perform livestock inspections for an individual or business if a conflict of interest exists.

(ii) For the purpose of this rule, a "conflict of interest" includes, but is not limited to, a financial or other interest, direct or indirect, in the livestock, the facility in which the livestock are presented for sale, or the event at which the livestock are being exhibited.

(2) Veterinarians licensed and accredited in Washington state and field livestock inspectors who wish to issue inspection certificates for livestock must apply for certification on the department's application form (WSDA form #7028). The application must include the following:

(a) The full name, address, telephone number, and email address of the individual applying for certification;

(b) The applicant's Washington state veterinary license number if the applicant is a veterinarian;

(d) A statement describing the applicant's experience with large animals, especially cattle and horses;

(e) A brief statement indicating that the applicant is requesting certification to issue inspection certificates for cattle, horses or both;

(f) The signature of the applicant; and

(g) Any other additional information as requested by the director.

(3) All applications must be accompanied by a check or money order for the amount of the certification fee of $60 per applicant.

(4) Certifications expire on the third December 31st following the date of issuance. For example, if a certification was issued on October 14, 2003, it would expire on December 31, 2005. All applications for renewal of certification must be submitted on AGR Form 930-7089 and accompanied by a check or money order for the amount of the certification fee of $60 per applicant.

(5) All applicants applying for certification or renewal of certification must complete department-provided training and pass a written test with no less than a score of 90 percent. The department will provide to each person applying for certification or renewal of certification a copy of the most current brand book and any supplements issued to date to each certified veterinarian or field livestock inspector. Training will include, but will not be limited to, the:

(a) Reading of printed brands;

(b) Reading of brands or other marks on animals, including the location of brands on animals;

(d) Completion of official documents; and

(e) Review of satisfactory ownership documents.

(6) The director will maintain a list of veterinarians and field livestock inspectors certified to perform livestock inspections. Interested parties may request a copy of the list by contacting the department at:

Washington State Department of Agriculture

Animal Services Division

1111 Washington Street S.E.

P.O. Box 42577

Olympia, WA 98504-2577

Email: livestockid@agr.wa.gov

Phone: 360-902-1855

Website: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/livestock

(7) Inspections by certified veterinarians and field livestock inspectors are conducted upon request and provided at the discretion of the veterinarian or field livestock inspector.

(8) Certified veterinarians and field livestock inspectors must submit all required inspection fees to the director and copies of each inspection certificate within 30 days of the date of issue.

(9) The director may deny certification or renewal of certification to issue inspection certificates if the veterinarian or field livestock inspector fails to meet the requirements of this section or knowingly makes false or inaccurate statements regarding his or her qualifications on the certification application.

PDFWAC 16-610-060

Veterinarian and field livestock inspector certification.