WSR 05-07-051

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


[ Filed March 11, 2005, 2:58 p.m. ]

     Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-54 WAC, Animal importation; amendment to WAC 16-54-082(1) Domestic bovine animals. Tuberculosis.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: To prevent the introduction and dissemination of bovine tuberculosis among the cattle of Washington state.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Bovine tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial disease-affecting cattle, caused by Mycobacterium bovis. Bovine tuberculosis may be transmitted to people through contact with infected animals. Bovine tuberculosis has been diagnosed in dairy cattle in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Michigan.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: USDA-APHIS, Veterinary services. RCW 16.36.100, authorizes the director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to cooperate with agencies of Washington, other states and the federal government. Washington state will join thirty-four other states that require dairy cows and bulls six months of age or older to be tested for bovine tuberculosis sixty days prior to entering the state.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Due to the seriousness of preventing the introduction and dissemination of bovine tuberculosis among dairy cattle of Washington state, WSDA has been making individual contact with affected stakeholder organizations directly regarding the rule proposal. In addition, other communication tools will be utilized regarding this matter. All interested persons are encouraged to contact the agency contact person below with their questions or comments.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Dr. Leonard E. Eldridge, State Veterinarian, Food Safety, Animal Health and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 42577, Olympia, WA 98504-2577, (360) 902-1881, fax (360) 902-2087, e-mail leldridge@agr.wa.gov.

March 11, 2005

Miles McEvoy

Acting Assistant Director

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