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New Board of Animal Health rules address needs of today
April 8, 2013
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced that its new rules are now in effect. The Board has been working with livestock groups to adopt rules that allow the Board to control diseases and are sensible for Minnesota farmers.
“After four years of talking with stakeholders, we are pleased to have rules that address the topics facing livestock agriculture today,” said Dr. Bill Hartmann, state veterinarian and executive director of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. “Thanks to the input of producers, the new rules will better equip us to do our job while making sure they can still do theirs.”
The new rules were drafted with animal traceability in mind. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had been working to adopt a federal traceability rule for several years. The Board took a proactive approach to federal requirements and included language that enhances Minnesota’s ability to effectively trace livestock during disease events. An overhaul of the rules was also needed to eliminate outdated language, clarify the Board’s authorities, address current topics and consolidate rules into a new, easy-to-understand chapter.