Chronic Wasting Disease: TAHC Modifies Entry Requirements Effective Immediately for Cervids DUE TO CWD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 13, 2012

TAHC Modifies Entry Requirements

Effective Immediately for Cervids

AUSTIN -The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) announced that effective immediately it is has determined that Red deer (Cervus elaphus), and Sika deer (Cervus nippon) are "susceptible species" for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and therefore must meet the same entry requirements as other cervid species regulated by the agency such as elk and moose. The new entry rules for Red deer and Sika deer will require they originate from herds with at least five years of participation in a herd certification program from states where CWD has been detected, and at least three years participation in programs from states that have not found CWD thus far.

The agency decision was based in part on the disclosure that a farmed Red deer herd in Minnesota was confirmed positive for CWD in May of this year. Further, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an interim final CWD rule on June 8, which designates Sika deer and Red deer as susceptible species. The USDA rule is intended to establish minimum requirements for interstate movement of deer, elk, moose, and other susceptible cervids, and to also establish a national CWD certification program.

Under the new TAHC entry requirements, besides originating from a herd with three or five year status as described above, Red deer and Sika deer shippers must also obtain an entry permit and request entry in writing. Proper supporting documentation must also accompany the request for entry at least 10 days prior to the proposed entry date. More information on TAHC entry requirements related to cervids can be found at:

http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=4&pt=2&ch=51&rl=10

Indigenous cervid species such as white-tailed deer and mule deer are regulated by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), not the TAHC. Currently those species are entirely prohibited from entering Texas based on TPWD rules.

For additional information about TAHC entry requirements, call 1-800-550-8242, Ext. 777 (Permits).

Founded in 1893, the Texas Animal Health Commission works to protect the health of all Texas livestock, including: cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, equine animals, and exotic livestock.

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Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) 2105 Kramer Lane Austin, Texas 78758 1-800-550-8242

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Saturday, June 09, 2012

USDA Establishes a Herd Certification Program for Chronic Wasting Disease in the United States

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2012/06/usda-establishes-herd-certification.html

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Captive Deer Breeding Legislation Overwhelmingly Defeated During 2012 Legislative Session

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2012/06/captive-deer-breeding-legislation.html

Monday, March 26, 2012

Texas Prepares for Chronic Wasting Disease CWD Possibility in Far West Texas

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2012/03/texas-prepares-for-chronic-wasting.html