WLSB Rules out for Public Comment
The Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) is seeking public comment on four chapters of rules which regulate diseases of importance to Wyoming livestock producers.
Revisions to the chapter 2 Brucellosis rules include updating of federal rule citations and USDA APHIS terminology, incorporation of a WLSB Board Order definition of the boundaries of the Designated Surveillance Area (DSA), and some new definitions. One significant change would allow cattle being moved or sold from the DSA to be tested anytime between August 1 and January 31 instead of having to be tested within 30 or 60 days. This would help producers and would mean fewer trips through a chute for the cattle. The revisions also clarify management of infected herds and clarify test and identification requirements including test requirements for DSA seasonal grazers.
The Chapter 2 rules have been in place since the early 2000s as a guideline for producers, veterinarians, markets, and livestock inspectors to address required Brucellosis testing, vaccination, identification, and management of affected and quarantined herds.
Trichomoniasis has continued to infect new herds in Wyoming in spite of the rules we have been using for several years and it is necessary to strengthen the chapter 15 Trichomoniasis rules to better protect the cattle industry from the disease. Revisions include implementation of new testing strategies that should detect the causative organism and be less expensive for the cattle industry than current requirements. Fewer tests would be required for change of ownership and movement. Revisions would also further clarify certain test requirements, movement restrictions for known infected herds and exposed herds, veterinarian certification requirements, and animal identification requirements.
The Scrapie rule, chapter 13, provides guidance to the sheep and goat industries in prevention of the disease and also in management of the disease to prevent spread within and between flocks. The revisions update citations of federal regulations, add a penalty for violations, and clarify identification and record keeping requirements.
Chapter 6 rules govern Brucellosis Risk Mitigation Activities-Project Eligibility And Reimbursement These rules were first adopted in 2009. Since that time we have identified some additional Brucellosis sample collection, handling, and submission protocols that are necessary to protect sample integrity and the validity of test results. We are suggesting an increase in the payment rate for veterinarians who collect and test samples at livestock auction markets which is a vital aspect of surveillance testing. Reimbursement for collection of samples at Custom Slaughter facilities is also added into the rule. Recent changes in United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) regulation and policy are also being updated in the rule. Additionally, the proposed rule clarifies that testing will be paid for surveillance testing done in a “Brucellosis Area of Concern” which was implemented by statute in the 2014 legislative session Enrolled Act Number 15 Senate.
The public comment period begins July 16, 2015 and will end on September 4, 2015.
We encourage livestock producers, veterinarians, livestock auction market managers and other stakeholders to provide written comment to Dr. Jim Logan, Wyoming State Veterinarian at 610 Fairground Rd, Riverton, WY 82501 or by email at jim.logan@wyo.gov
–Wyoming Livestock Board
