News

BOAH seeks input on changes to livestock laws

Indiana’s Board of Animal Health is currently seeking comments from stakeholders in the state’s livestock industry regarding identification and documentation requirements for buying, selling, and moving animals in 2015.  As Indiana moves to meet new federal requirements for livestock traceability, BOAH is asking for input from the industry for the final version.

In early 2013, the US Department of Agriculture announced new standards for interstate movement of livestock.  State Veterinarian Bret Marsh says while there will be some necessary changes, Hoosiers are well ahead of schedule.  In 2006, Indiana launched the premises registration program which Marsh says was laying the groundwork for one phase of USDA’s traceability initiative.  With 59,000 livestock-related premises registered he says, “Indiana is in a great starting point in meeting ADT’s goals.”

Marsh says the next step is to raise awareness about the changes associated with ADT and gather input from stakeholders to “ensure Indiana’s rules are realistic, feasible, and effective.”

BOAH staff members have begun to roll-out the proposed changes to cattle rules at this winter’s beef meetings and will follow-up with the regional dairy meetings.  The overall timeline is to have a full proposal ready for members of BOAH to review and vote on by mid-2014.  The goal is to complete rule making steps so the changes will take effect with the New Year in 2015.

More information can be found at www.boah.in.gov.