Title 2-DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Division 30-Animal Health

Chapter 6-Livestock Markets

ORDER OF RULEMAKING

By the authority vested in the Director of Agriculture under section 277.160, RSMo 2000, the director amends a rule as follows:

2 CSR 30-6.020 is amended.

A notice of proposed rulemaking containing the text of the proposed amendment was published in the Missouri Register on February 1, 2011 (36 MoReg 524-526). Those sections with changes are reprinted here. This proposed amendment becomes effective thirty (30) days after publication in the Code of State Regulations.

SUMMARY OF COMMENTS: Two (2) comments were received and staff made an additional comment.

COMMENT #1: Dr. Massengill questioned the intention of the existing portion of the rule whether it was directed toward all breeding bulls prior to entering the market, bulls entering Missouri, or Missouri origin bulls. Also, paragraph (3)(D)3. omits the word "official" that is used in subparagraph (3)(D)1.B. and part (3)(D)1.B.(I) when referring to the culture test and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. Another confusion in paragraph (3)(D)3. is the apparent instruction to the market veterinarian to issue a quarantine on a bull that tested positive and its cohorts even though they may not be presented to the market for sale. It would appear obvious that there is an assumption that an animal must be negative on the required tests to be eligible for sale at the market. However, that is not stated.

RESPONSE AND EXPLANATION OF CHANGE: The department has considered this comment. Changes have been made to provide clarity to the regulation.

COMMENT #2: Ronald Bruce, United Producers, was okay with the regulations, just wanted them to apply to video sales.

RESPONSE: Comment was considered and no changes made as a result of this comment.

COMMENT #3: Upon administrative review, changes were made for clarification in paragraph (3)(D)1. and parts (3)(D)1.B.(II) and (III).

RESPONSE: Comment considered and changes made.

2 CSR 30-6.020 Duties and Facilities of the Market/Sale Veterinarian

(3) Cattle, Bison, and Exotic Bovids.

(D) Trichomoniasis Requirements.

1. All breeding bulls (excluding exotic bovines) prior to entering a licensed livestock market/sale shall be-

A. Virgin bulls not more than twenty-four (24) months of age as determined by the presence of both permanent central incisor teeth in wear or by breed registry papers; or

B. Tested negative for Trichomoniasis with an official culture test or official Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test by an approved diagnostic laboratory within thirty (30) days prior to entry into the state.

(I) Bulls shall be tested three (3) times not less than one (1) week apart by an official culture test or one (1) time by official PCR test prior to entering Missouri.

(II) Bulls that have had contact with female cattle subsequent to testing must be retested prior to entry.

(III) Bulls tested at the market must be quarantined at the farm of destination pending negative test results. If test results are positive, the positive animals and cohorts will be quarantined.

2. If the breeding bulls are virgin bulls, less than twenty-four (24) months of age, they shall be-

A. Individually identified by official identification; and

B. Accompanied by a breeder's certificate or statement of virgin status signed by the breeder or his representative attesting that they are virgin bulls.

C. The official identification number shall be written on the breeder's certificate.

3. Non-virgin or bulls twenty-four (24) months of age or older must be Trichomoniasis tested with three (3) official culture or one (1) official PCR test. Bulls may be quarantined at farm pending test results. If test results are positive, the positive animal and cohorts will be placed under quarantine.

4. A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection listing official identification and test performed, date of test, results, and laboratory, if testing is required.

5. Bulls going directly to slaughter are exempt from Trichomoniasis testing.