WASHINGTON, April 4, 1996--The U.S. Department of Agriculture is
proposing to include captive cervids (such as deer, elk, and
moose) under its regulations for the bovine tuberculosis
eradication program. This action would set standards for
tuberculosis testing and identification of captive cervids for
interstate movement and international export certification
similar to requirements currently in place for cattle and bison.
"National disease control standards for tuberculosis in captive-raised deer and elk are critical for the eradication of this infectious disease from the United States," said Donald W. Luchsinger, deputy administrator for veterinary services with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA's marketing and regulatory programs mission area. Such standards will not only protect the health of the growing cervid industries, but will also reduce the risk of spreading disease to the cattle and bison industries, to wildlife, and to humans."
Various animal health experts, including the National Academy of Sciences, have determined that captive cervids are a potential source of tuberculosis infection. In the past 10 years, outbreaks of bovine tuberculosis in livestock in New York, Montana, and Pennsylvania and in Canada in New Brunswick and British Columbia were caused by tuberculosis-infected captive cervid herds.
To address this emerging animal health issue, APHIS veterinarians have worked with state animal health officials and the cervid industry associations over the past few years to develop the "Uniform Methods and Rules (UMR) for Tuberculosis Eradication in Cervidae." These are minimum program standards and procedures for movement, testing, and identification similar to the UMR for cattle and bison. The UMR for cervids became effective on May 15, 1994.
Notice of this action was published in the April 4 Federal Register, pp. 14982-14999.
Public comments received by APHIS may be reviewed at USDA, Room 1141 South Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, S.W. , Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to review comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to assure entry into the comment reading room.
NOTE: USDA news releases and media advisories are available on the Internet. Access the USDA Homepage on the World Wide Web at http://www.usda.gov
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