RULE

Department of Agriculture and Forestry

Office of Animal Health and Food Safety

Board of Animal Health

Animal Care Standards (LAC 7:XXI.Chapter 31)

Under the enabling authority of R.S. 3:2095.1 and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (R.S. 49:950 et seq.) the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Safety, Board of Animal Health has adopted rules and regulations set out below.

R.S. 3:2095.1 mandates that the Board of Animal Health, subject to the approval of the commissioner of agriculture and forestry, adopt standards applicable to the care and well-being of bovine, equine, ovine, caprine, porcine, and poultry bred, kept, maintained, raised, or used for show, profit, or for the purpose of selling or otherwise producing crops, animals, or plant or animal products for market. These standards of care are necessary because the statute prohibits any municipality, parish, local governmental entity or governing authority of any group or association, private or public, having jurisdiction over a specific geographic area from enacting any ordinances law, subdivision restriction or regulation that establish standards of care applicable to these categories of animals unless the ordinance, regulation or restriction has been reviewed by the board and approved by the commissioner. Review and approval cannot occur until these standards of care have been promulgated in accordance with the APA. The standards of care that are adopted have been approved by the commissioner.

Title 7

AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS

Part XXI. Diseases of Animals

Chapter 31. Standards of Care for Bovine, Equine, Ovine, Caprine, Porcine, and Poultry used for Show, Profit, or Production

§3101. Definitions

A. In addition to the definitions listed below, and unless otherwise provided, the definitions in §101 of this Part shall apply to this Chapter.

B. The terms defined in this Chapter have the meanings given to them in this Section, except where the context expressly indicates otherwise.

C. Terms Defined in this Section

Ambulatory-state of biological function where an animal is capable of walking without pain for an extended period of time.

Animal Care and Well-Being Plan-a program or method for providing or ensuring that an animal's basic needs are met to maintain their health, biological function, and physical and behavioral needs.

Animal Health-physical state of an animal.

Animal Husbandry-the branch of agriculture concerned with the care and breeding of domestic animals such as cattle, horses, pigs, and sheep.

Animal Husbandry Procedures-a way of performing or effecting the care and breeding of livestock.

Beef Quality Assurance Guidelines (BQA)-accepted production standards for quality and safety, including biosecurity, animal health and well-being, production performance and environmental stewardship, that are appropriate to an operation and which can be met or exceeded in an objective manner.

Behavioral Needs-a particular animal's need to express behaviors given their species, age, sex, and physiologic state.

Biosecurity-preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, parasites and pests.

Body Condition-refers to the health or physical fitness of the animal.

Body Condition Score (BCS)-accepted management tool used by producers, veterinarians, extension personnel, and researchers to evaluate the nutritional level of livestock based on a numerical scale.

Conspecific Aggression-hostile actions or fighting among a group of animals of the same species.

Discomfort-unpleasant sensations other than pain caused by a disruption of normal biologic function or psychological needs.

Disease-pathologic condition of any part of an animal's biology.

Distress-state of mental or physical pain, intense anxiety, or suffering affecting the animal that may require immediate attention.

Electric Stunning-application of high amperage current passed through the brain which renders the animal instantly unconscious.

Electro-immobilization-use of electricity to immobilize and paralyze animals that does not render them unconscious or insensible to pain.

Euthanasia-intentional causing humane death of an animal in order to relieve pain and suffering.

Facility-premises or something such as a fenced in area or a structure or structures constructed to serve a function related to livestock.

Good Animal Health-having good biological function and being free of disease and injury.

Handling-actions involving hands on treatment of livestock such as loading or unloading, restraining, or moving animals in a pen or chute.

Health-normal biologic and physiologic function free of disease.

Heat or Cold Stress-external temperature and/or humidity causing change of an animal's physiologic function and/or causing distress.

Humane Death-when an animal dies with minimum pain and suffering that may result through utilization of methods such as inhalant agents, injectable euthanasia agents, or other physical methods.

Humane Treatment-care an animal receives with the intention and result of promoting animal health as balanced with considerations of human health, food safety, and animal production.

Injury-disruption of tissue causing pain or impaired function.

Insensible-unable to perceive any stimulus or having no cortical brain function.

Knowledge-having an awareness of scientifically valid facts regarding animal health and animal husbandry and the ability to apply these facts so as to ensure the care and well-being of animals.

LDAF-Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Livestock-bovine, equine, porcine, ovine, caprine, and poultry used for show, profit, selling, or producing crops, plant or animal products for market.

Livestock Personnel-producer or person in charge of animals.

Mass Euthanasia-putting to death populations of animals in unusual conditions such as wide spread disease eradication and circumstances resulting from natural disasters, as authorized by the state veterinarian.

Minimize Heat Stress-systems utilizing one or more of the following to reduce the negative impact on animals due to heat stress-shade, facility design to improve air flow and ambient temperature from outside temperature and airflow, fans or forced air movement, water cooling systems such as misters, evaporative cooling systems, and climate controlled air conditioning.

Minimize Pain and Distress-actions taken to reduce or eliminate those stimuli resulting in pain or distress.

National Chicken Council (NCC) Guidelines-industry standard program for assessment of animal programs and practices in broiler and broiler breeder operations.

Pain-unpleasant stimulus associated with actual or potential tissue damage that is perceived as unpleasant.

Parturition-act of giving birth (i.e. calving, foaling, lambing, farrowing).

Person in Charge-person who has animal(s) under his supervision or control.

Physiologic Requirements-conditions needed to maintain an animal's normal body function given their physical, metabolic, and hormonal demands.

Physiologic State-functioning of an animal's body, including its current body systems, metabolism, and homeostasis.

Practical-method or technology which is easily available and economically viable as determined by acceptable standards.

Producer-person who owns and is responsible for the care of livestock that are raised for home use or for profit, especially on a farm.

Rapid Loss of Consciousness-that which causes an animal to lose consciousness within 60 seconds.

Remedial Action-any action taken to provide care, nutrition, treatment, veterinary treatment, or other action in order to eliminate the cause of compromised animal health.

Shelter-physical object or construct that provides protection from weather and climate to a specific animal; shelter may include manmade constructions, variations in the topography of land, plants, trees, and shrubbery as conditions may require.

Stress-reaction by an animal to an uncomfortable or unfamiliar physical or psychological stimulus that may include an increased state of alertness, anxiety, increased heart rate, or sweating.

Sufficient-enough to meet the physiological needs of the animal (i.e. adequate nutrition to maintain an average BCS).

Supervision-act or having the responsibility to ensure an animal is provided care.

Timely Manner-soon enough that is not too late.

Veterinary Treatment-procedure or care performed by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:2095.1.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, Board of Animal Health, LR 39:3238 (December 2013).

§3103. General Standards that Apply to the Production of All Animals

A. Producer or person in charge of animals shall ensure that a sufficient level of animal health and animal care and well-being is maintained for the livestock.

1. Livestock personnel shall have the proper level of knowledge, ability, and competency to maintain the health and care and well-being of livestock as specified in this Code.

2. Livestock shall be inspected as determined by livestock personnel based on their age and physiologic state to ensure they remain healthy and to allow for timely remedial action for those livestock found to be diseased or distressed.

B. Exceptions

1. Any standard in this code may be excepted by or under the advice of a licensed veterinarian as required for the prevention, diagnosis, management, treatment, or control of disease or injury.

2. Any standard in this code may be excepted during a declared disaster, foreign animal disease outbreak, or other exceptional circumstance as deemed necessary by LDAF.

3. Any standards in this code may be excepted by LDAF as deemed necessary to promote animal health or care, human health, agriculture, food safety, or other compelling need of the people or resources of the state of Louisiana.

C. Housing

1. Shelter as defined in this document may be a necessary requirement for livestock. All facilities in which livestock are maintained shall be kept clean and ventilated so as to minimize injury or pain caused by noxious gases. All facilities in which livestock are maintained shall be constructed and maintained so as to minimize disease and injury to animals.

2. All facilities in which livestock are maintained shall be constructed and maintained so as to securely contain the livestock within.

3. Livestock shall be able to lie down and rest comfortably so as to meet their behavioral needs for rest.

4. For livestock housed in an indoor facility with concrete floor, dry bedding shall be provided for the comfort and warmth of the livestock.

D. Nutrition and Water

1. All livestock shall be provided sufficient food to maintain good health, meet their physiological requirements, and minimize nutritional or metabolic disease.

2. All livestock shall have access to water, including ponds, so as to maintain adequate hydration.

3. Nutritional standards for livestock may vary with level of activity, pregnancy/nursing status, age, or medical status; veterinary or nutritional consultation may be required to establish these standards.

4. Exception. Food and water may be temporarily withheld when handling, treating, or transporting livestock.

E. Health and Veterinary Care

1. All producers shall develop and implement an animal care and well-being plan to promote the health of the livestock.

2. Livestock shall be monitored regularly as determined by producers and livestock personnel so signs of injury or disease are identified in a timely fashion.

3. Producers shall treat signs of injury or disease in a timely manner to prevent or control compromised health of cattle.

a. Producers shall determine when a licensed veterinarian shall be consulted in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of injury or disease as necessary to minimize pain and distress of livestock.

4. Livestock other than dairy cattle with a body condition score less than three, and dairy cattle with a BCS less than two shall receive prompt care and/or treatment (see BCS charts below).

5. Livestock suffering from severe lameness shall receive prompt remedial action.

6. Livestock suffering from extreme pain or distress shall be examined by a licensed veterinarian or properly euthanized in a timely fashion as to minimize pain and distress.

7. Non-ambulatory livestock may be moved in the most effective manner deemed necessary by the producer or person in charge.

F. Parturition Management

1. Livestock observed to have vigorous straining and/or abdominal contractions while giving birth without progress shall have remedial action taken.

2. No motor vehicle shall be used to provide traction to assist parturition.

G. Sanitation

1. All facilities in which livestock are maintained shall be kept clean so as to minimize the spread of infectious disease to animals.

2. All facilities in which livestock are maintained shall have pest control so as to minimize the spread of infectious disease to animals.

3. All equipment used in managing livestock shall be kept clean so as to minimize the spread of infectious disease to livestock and to minimize pain.

4. All personnel shall maintain adequate biosecurity in facilities to minimize the spread of infectious disease to livestock.

H. Handling

1. Livestock shall be handled in a manner so as to minimize stress, risk of injury, and risk of exhaustion or heat stress to the livestock.

2. Only the minimum force necessary shall be used to move or restrain livestock.

3. Handling of livestock shall be performed with knowledge of the point of balance and flight zone when possible.

4. All facilities used to move or restrain livestock shall be designed and maintained so as to minimize stress, risk of injury, risk of exhaustion, risk of heat stress and shall allow livestock to be released rapidly if necessary.

5. Electric prodders shall not be used in the most sensitive areas of livestock: udder, eyes, nose, anus, prepuce, vulva, or testicles.

6. Livestock physically restrained in handling facilities shall be supervised at all times.

7. Electro-immobilization shall not be an acceptable handling technique for livestock.

I. Animal Husbandry Procedures

1. Certain animal husbandry procedures shall be performed only as necessary to protect animal and human health, allow animal management and production, and allow product attributes.

a. Necessary animal husbandry procedures include, but are not limited to: castration, disbudding, dehorning, branding, tattooing, and ear tagging.

2. Animal husbandry procedures shall only be performed by personnel with sufficient knowledge to minimize pain and distress.

3. Animal husbandry procedures shall be performed in a timely manner and physiologic state so as to minimize pain and distress.

J. Selection for Transport

1. Livestock transported for any reason shall be ambulatory at the time of loading.

2. Exception shall be when livestock need to be transported on-farm, farm-to-farm, or for veterinary care.

K. Transportation by land shall:

1. be loaded and unloaded in a manner and with proper equipment and personnel so as to minimize stress and injury. Have sufficient headroom so as to not come into contact with the roof of the vehicle in a normal standing position;

2. transportation vehicle shall:

a. have floors that are constructed and kept clean so as to minimize the slipping and falling of livestock; and Be constructed to allow visual inspection of all livestock during transport; and

b. be constructed to allow ventilation and protection in order to minimize the harmful effects of weather and climate;

3. livestock shall be segregated into groups based on age, size, and other attributes so as to minimize injury, distress, and conspecific aggression;

4. livestock shall be loaded at a density that minimizes injury and falling, but that allows animals to rise unassisted if fallen;

5. livestock shall be transported as quickly as possible to their final destination and transported to their final destination directly when possible;

6. pursuant to 49 USC § 80502, the transportation of livestock shall be planned so that animals are unloaded and provided rest, water, and feed on travel more than 28 hours.

L. On-Farm Euthanasia

1. Livestock shall be euthanized in a method that results in rapid loss of consciousness and animals must remain insensible until death. The following methods of euthanasia are approved for on farm use:

a. captive bolt or rifle shot of at least .22 caliber administered so as to disrupt the cerebral cortex and brainstem; and

b. barbiturate overdose administered by a licensed veterinarian or other licensed professional.

2. The carcass of any livestock euthanized shall be disposed of in a manner as to prevent the spread of infectious disease or if euthanized by barbiturate overdose to prevent other animal exposure to the carcass.

3. The carcasses of all livestock shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner by cremation or burial of at least 6 feet according to R.S. 3:2131.

M. Body condition scoring for livestock is intended to be used as a practical guideline by which producers can measure animal care and well-being based on the animal's physical appearance as determined in the charts below.

1. Body Condition Scoring for Livestock other than Dairy Cattle

Score

Description

1. Poor

Severely emaciated; no fatty tissue; vertebrae, ribs, tail head, and bones of withers, shoulder, and neck are visible All rib and bone structures easily visible. No fat over backbone, edge of loin, hip bones, or ribs. Tailhead and ribs project prominently. Animal has difficulty standing or walking.

2. Emaciated

Appears emaciated but tailhead and ribs are less prominent. Individual spinous processes are sharp to touch, but some tissue exists along the spine. Animal not weak, but no fat detectable.

3. Very Thin

Ribs are individually identifiable, but not sharply. No fat on ribs, brisket, spine or over tailhead. Individual hindquarter muscles easily visible, spinous processes apparent.

4. Thin

Individual ribs are not visibly apparent except the last two ribs. Backbone can be identified with slight pressure; individual spinous processes are rounded rather than sharp. Individual muscles in the hindquarter are apparent, but the quarter is straight.

5. Moderate

Good overall appearance. The last two ribs are not visible but can be easily felt. Hindquarter individual muscles are not apparent. Areas on either side of the tail head are filled and fat cover is palpable.

6. High Moderate

Good smooth appearance throughout. Ribs are not visible and are fully covered. Some fat deposition in the brisket. Spongy fat on ribs and pin bones and sides of tailhead. Firm pressure is needed to feel the spinous processes.

7. Good

Livestock appear fleshy and obviously carry considerable fat. Brisket is full.
Tailhead and pin bones have protruding fat deposits. Back appears square.

8. Obese

Protruding fat deposits on tailhead and pin bones. Spinous processes almost impossible to feel. Brisket is distended and neck is thick.

9. Very Obese

The body has lost definition and contours disappear across back and sides as animal takes on a block-like smooth appearance. Tailhead and hips buried in fat deposits. Bony structures no longer visible or palpable.

2. Body Condition Scoring for Dairy Cattle

Score

Description

1. Emaciated

Deep cavity around tailhead. Bones of pelvis and short ribs are easily felt. No fatty tissue in pelvic or loin area. Deep depression in loins.

2. Thin

Shallow cavity around tailhead with some fatty tissue lining it and covering pin bones. Pelvis easily felt. Ends of short ribs feel rounded and upper surfaces can be felt with slight pressure. Depression viable in loin area.

3. Ideal

No cavity around tailhead and fatty tissue easily felt over entire area. Pelvis felt with slight pressure. Thick layer of tissue covering top of short ribs which is felt with pressure. Slight depression over loin area.

4. Fat

Fold of fatty tissue around tailhead with patches of fat covering pin bones. Short ribs cannot be felt. No depression in loin area.

5. Obese

Tailhead buried in thick layer of fatty tissue. Pelvic bones cannot be felt with firm pressure. Short ribs covered with thick layer of fatty tissue.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:2095.1.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, Board of Animal Health, LR 39:3240 (December 2013).

§3105. Beef and Dairy Cattle Standards

A. Body Condition Scoring (BCS) of Cattle

1.a. BCS-a standardized, objective method of evaluating the body condition of cattle regardless of breed, age, gender, or body type.

b. Body Condition-a measure of fat cover and scores are indicative of energy reserves in the body.

2. Several conditions may affect body condition:

a. lack of proper nutrition;

b. severe parasitism;

c. infectious disease;

d. older animals.

3. Starvation shall not be ascertained by body condition alone but may be determined by amount of feed and forage available.

4. Consultation with a licensed veterinarian and or a knowledgeable livestock professional may be suitable in remedying the situation.

5. Body condition shall be evaluated by visual appraisal and by feeling six areas of the animal's body and then assigning an overall score.

6. Beef cattle scores range from one (severely emaciated) to nine (very obese).

7. Dairy cattle scores range from one (emaciated) to five (obese).

8. BCS below two for beef or dairy scoring indicate emaciated cattle.

B. BQA guidelines may be used as a standard reference for all cattle producers (beef and dairy) as a reference in areas of cattle management and record keeping.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:2095.1.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, Board of Animal Health, LR 39:3242 (December 2013).

§3107. Equine Standards

A. Housing

1. All facilities in which horses are maintained shall be kept free of excessive feces, urine, mud, or other waste products.

2. All facilities in which horses are maintained shall be constructed and maintained to minimize hazards that may cause injury to the horses confined within.

3. For horses housed in an indoor facility with concrete floor, dry bedding shall be provided for the comfort and warmth of the horses.

4. Horses confined to minimal enclosed areas shall receive sufficient turnout time or controlled exercise (e.g., hand-walking, lunging, riding, driving, hot walker, treadmill) unless directed otherwise by a veterinarian.

5. When housed in groups, horses shall be segregated so as to minimize conspecific aggression.

B. Nutrition

1. Concentrates, trace minerals, and salt may be used to balance the diet.

2. Horses confined without available pasture to graze may need daily supplemental feed; horses on pasture may need supplemental feed if the pasture is insufficient to maintain body weight and health.

C. Water

1. Water troughs, water containers, and any automatic watering devices shall be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.

2. Transportation of Equine

a. The following horses shall not be transported:

i. those that are non-ambulatory (cannot walk unassisted), weak and/or debilitated, cannot bear weight on one or more legs, blind in both eyes, or, unless being transported for veterinary care;

ii. foals shall not be transported until their navels are closed unless being transported for veterinary care.

3. Transportation by land shall:

a. load horses at a density that minimizes injury and falling, but that allows them to rise unassisted if fallen;

b. horses destined for slaughter shall be transported pursuant to USDA's Slaughter Horse Transport Program in addition to the regulations above.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:2095.1.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, Board of Animal Health, LR 39:3242 (December 2013).

§3109. Porcine Standards

A. Housing

1. If housed outdoors, shelter shall be readily available to swine so as to minimize the compromise to their health from heat and adverse weather.

2. If housed indoors, facilities shall be maintained so as to minimize the compromise to health from heat and adverse weather.

3. For any swine housed in a primary enclosure, such as a farrowing stall or gestation crate, the swine shall be able to:

a. lie in full recumbency without its head touching a feeder;

b. rise and lie down comfortably at will; and

c. stand so as to not touch more than one side of the enclosure simultaneously and so as to not touch the top of the primary enclosure.

4. Flooring shall be designed or managed so as to minimize slipping and so as to prevent urine scald to the swine.

5. If nursing piglets, the enclosure shall allow the sow to lie down as to minimize injury or death of her piglets.

B. Nutrition and Water

1. Feed shall be provided in methods so as to minimize aggression and resultant injury to swine.

2. Any mechanical devices used to deliver feed or water shall be kept clean so as to minimize the spread of infectious disease, and shall be regularly inspected to ensure proper function.

C. Animal Husbandry Procedures

1. Animal husbandry procedures include, but are not limited to:

a. castration, needle teeth clipping, tail docking, ear notching, tattooing, and ear tagging;

b. shall be performed only as necessary to protect animal and human health;

c. allow animal management and production; and

d. allow product attributes.

2. Animal husbandry procedures shall be performed in a timely manner and physiologic state so as to minimize pain and distress including:

a. clipping of needle teeth performed before five days of age;

b. teeth clipped at the tip of the tooth rather than the gum line;

c. ear notching, tail docking, and castration performed before five days of age.

D. Farrowing and Piglet Management

1. Temperature control shall be provided in order to allow newborn pigs to maintain normal body temperature.

E. Specific Recommendations on All Aspects of Swine Production

1. Producers shall consult the current Swine Care Handbook published by the National Pork Board.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:2095.1.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, Board of Animal Health, LR 39:3242 (December 2013).

§3111. Ovine and Caprine (Small Ruminants) Standards

A. Housing

1. Shelter shall be readily available to small ruminants so as to minimize the compromise to their health from heat or adverse weather.

B. Health and Veterinary Care

1. Management procedures shall be in place to minimize the distress or disease caused by Haemonchus contortus.

2. Management procedures shall be in place to minimize fly strike.

3. Small ruminants with a body condition score of or less than three shall receive prompt care and/or treatment by or on the advice of a licensed veterinarian to improve their body condition.

C. Parturition and Lamb/Kid Management

1. All lambs or kids shall receive adequate nutrition from a lactating ewe or doe or shall be provided adequate nutrition by hand rearing if rejected, or have other remedial action taken.

D. Shearing

1. Shearing shall be performed carefully so as to minimize distress and injury to the small ruminant.

E. Animal Husbandry Procedures

1. Animal husbandry procedures include, but are not limited to:

a. castration;

b. disbudding;

c. dehorning;

d. foot trimming;

e. injections;

f. drenching;

g. shearing;

h. tail docking of wool sheep;

i. tattooing; and

j. ear tagging.

F. Selection for Transport

1. The following small ruminants are not fit for transport:

a. those unable to bear weight, unless transported for veterinary care.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:2095.1.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, Board of Animal Health, LR 39:3243 (December 2013).

§3113. Poultry Standards

A. Housing and Environment

1. Any facilities in which poultry are housed shall provide shelter so as to minimize the compromise to poultry health from heat, cold, adverse weather, and predation.

2. All (commercial) facilities in which poultry are housed shall be maintained so as to limit the exposure of feeding and watering devices and poultry to feces and urine.

3. All facilities in which poultry are maintained shall be designed, lighted, and stocked so as to allow visual inspections of poultry at any point in time.

4. Natural or artificial lighting mimicking the intensity and duration of daylight shall be provided, or other artificial lighting program exceeding this shall be provided, except as necessary for animal husbandry practices or introduction of new poultry. Any change in artificial lighting program shall be introduced gradually so as to prevent distress of poultry.

5. Stocking density shall follow NCC guidelines of pounds per square foot for commercial enterprises and for backyard flocks and shall not exceed that which does not allow all poultry to lie down simultaneously without being forced to lie on top of other poultry. Environmental moisture and dust shall be minimized in order to prevent the spread of infectious disease or compromise the health, care, and well-being of poultry.

6. Environmental temperature shall be controlled at a level that minimizes heat stress or cold stress to the poultry.

7. The following are acceptable housing systems.

a. Cages (Conventional and Enriched)

i. Cages shall be arranged so as to protect exposure of poultry in one cage from feces or urine from poultry in any other cage.

ii. Maximum slope for any cage shall be designed to support forward facing claws.

b. Barns/Aviaries

i. Flooring shall be such that minimizes claw injuries to birds.

ii. Flooring shall be designed so as to support forward facing claws.

iii. Perches shall be designed so as to minimize injury to the poultry.

c. Free Range

i. For those facilities with an indoor and outdoor component, openings shall be designed so as to facilitate movement of the poultry in a manner that minimizes injury and death to the poultry.

B. Nutrition and Water

1. All poultry shall be provided sufficient food daily so as to maintain good health, meet their physiological requirements, and minimize nutritional or metabolic disease (see exceptions).

2. All poultry shall have continual access to water so as to maintain adequate hydration (see exceptions).

3. All food and water shall be provided in means that minimize aggression or competition.

4. Any mechanical devices used to deliver feed or water shall be kept clean so as to minimize the spread of infectious disease and shall be regularly inspected to ensure proper function.

5. Poultry shall be regularly monitored, and those found not to be consuming adequate food or water shall be removed and either raised alternatively or euthanized.

6. Exception. Food and water may be temporarily withheld up to 48 hours as prescribed by the NCC, allowing for five days feed, and two skipped days, along with limitation of water when handling, performing management practices, treating, transporting, or depopulating poultry.

C. Health and Veterinary Care

1. Disabled poultry shall be removed from their environment in a timely fashion to minimize compromise to their health and have remedial action taken, including euthanasia.

2. Any dead poultry shall be removed from any facilities and disposed of according to LDAF protocols so as to minimize the spread of infectious disease between poultry and so as to minimize pests.

D. Handling

1. Poultry shall be caught and handled so as to minimize stress, risk of injury, and risk of exhaustion.

a. Poultry shall never be picked up by a single wing.

2. Only the minimum force necessary shall be used to move or restrain poultry.

3. All equipment used to move or restrain poultry shall be designed and maintained so as to minimize stress, risk of injury, risk of exhaustion, risk of heat stress.

4. Poultry that are seriously injured during handling (such as, but not limited to, broken legs) shall have remedial action taken, including euthanasia.

E. Hatching, and Chick/Poult Management

1. All chicks/poults shall have access to adequate nutrition and water within 48 hours of hatching or have other remedial action taken.

2. Environmental temperature control and air flow control shall be present before arrival of new chicks/poults into an area and maintained for newly placed chicks/poults so as to support normal body temperature and minimize health compromise.

F. Animal Husbandry Procedures

1. Certain animal husbandry procedures include, but are not limited to, beak trimming, male claw removal, and dubbing.

a. Animal husbandry procedures shall be performed at an age and physiologic state so as to minimize pain and distress.

i. Beak trimming shall be performed by or before 10 days of age.

ii. Male claw removal and dubbing (in commercial operations) shall be performed by or before 3 days of age.

b. Necessary stressful procedures include induced molting.

i. Induced molting shall be performed and birds sufficiently supervised to prevent health compromise, weight loss, and flock mortality.

G. Transportation

1. Transportation by land shall:

a. have stocking density that allows all poultry to lie down simultaneously without being forced to lie on top of other poultry;

b. have transportation vehicle design, maintenance, arrangement of poultry, and time of transport to minimize injury, distress, or death to the poultry;

c. have vehicle transporting poultry designed to provide adequate ventilation to minimize injury, distress, heat or cold stress, or death to the poultry;

d. have crates or other devices used to transport poultry designed to minimize injury and movement must allow poultry to rapidly reposition in an upright position.

H. On-Farm Euthanasia

1. The following methods of euthanasia shall be approved for on-farm use:

a. carbon dioxide;

b. cervical dislocation;

c. cecapitation;

d. water based foam for mass euthanasia;

e. instantaneous fragmentation may be used for one day old chicks and poults, and for pipped and embyonated eggs. Sufficient flow to and through the instantaneous fragmentation device shall prevent backlog at the point of entry to the device;

f. barbiturate overdose is an acceptable form of euthanasia administered by a licensed veterinarian or other licensed professional.

2. The carcasses of all poultry shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner by cremation or burial of at least six feet according to RS 3:2131 or by following LAC 7:XXI.Chapter 7, Sanitary Disposal of Dead Poultry.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:2095.1.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, Board of Animal Health, LR 39:3243 (December 2013).

§3115. Emergency Standards

A. Standards for management and destruction of animals during an emergency may be extended during a declared disaster or animal disease event. In such cases mass euthanasia may be necessary.

1. Mass euthanasia shall be used for unusual conditions which require depopulation, such as wide-spread disease eradication and exigent circumstance resulting from natural disasters; the state veterinarian may authorize alternate methods if necessary.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:2095.1.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, Board of Animal Health, LR 39:3245 (December 2013).

§3117. Accepted Methods for Mass Euthanasia

A. Inhalant Agents

1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

a. Compressed CO2 gas in cylinders shall be the only allowed source of carbon dioxide.

b. Gas concentration shall be maintained for at least one minute after death.

c. CO2 shall be the only chemical to be used for euthanasia of animals intended for human or animal consumption.

B. Injectable Euthanasia Agents

1. All injectable agents, including all barbiturate derivatives, shall be used by or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

C. Physical Methods

1. Penetrating Captive Bolt

a. Captive bolt guns shall be powered by gunpowder or compressed air and shall provide sufficient energy to penetrate the skull of the species on which they are being used.

b. Penetrating captive bolt shall be suitably placed so that the projectile sufficiently disrupts a cerebral hemisphere and the brain stem causing a sudden loss of consciousness and resulting in humane death.

c. The penetrating captive bolt gun shall be held firmly against the head.

d. All manufacturers' directions regarding caliber and powerload shall be followed.

2. Non-Penetrating Captive Bolt

a. The non-penetrating captive bolt does not have a projectile, is powered by gunpowder or compressed air, and shall deliver a percussive blow which produces unconsciousness.

b. The non-penetrating captive bolt gun shall be held firmly against the head and shall not be used as a sole means of euthanasia, except for animals weighing equal to or less than 12 pounds and poultry.

c. All manufacturers' directions regarding caliber and powerload shall be followed.

3. Blunt Force Trauma

a. A single decisive blow shall produce immediate depression of the central nervous system and destruction of brain tissue resulting in rapid unconsciousness and humane death.

4. Gunshot

a. Shooting shall only be performed by personnel proficient in the use of firearms and only in jurisdictions that allow legal firearm use. Personnel, the public, and nearby animal safety and well-being shall be considered as well as control of the animal whenever feasible.

b. Gunshot shall utilize bullets of suitable caliber that depend on the size of the animal to be euthanized and that expand on impact. The projectile shall enter the brain causing instant loss of consciousness and humane death.

c. Ammunition for most animals shall be a minimum caliber .22 hollow point for long rifles. For large mature animals, such as cattle and swine, the minimum caliber shall be .22 magnum hollow point for long rifles.

d. The gun shall be held as close as reasonably possible but not less than 2 inches from the head of the animal.

5. Cervical Dislocation-the manual stretching or instrument assisted separation of the cervical vertebrae from the skull.

6. Decapitation-the rapid separation of the head from the neck.

7. Electrocution

a. One-step electrocution shall use alternating current applied to the head and the opposite side of the body behind the heart at the flank skin fold, causing simultaneous stunning and inducing cardiac fibrillation resulting in cerebral hypoxia.

b. Two-step stunning and electrocution shall first render the animal unconscious by passing an alternating current across the head and followed immediately, in less than 15 seconds, by passing the current from the head to the opposite side of the body behind the heart.

8. Foam-a water-based product utilizing a specialized delivery system that produces foam of the appropriate consistency to occlude the upper respiratory tract causing hypoxia in a rapid and humane manner.

9. Maceration-the use of a mechanical apparatus having rotating blades or projections that causes immediate fragmentation and death.

10. Exsanguination-to drain of blood as a stand-alone method of euthanasia shall be limited to use for ritual slaughter pursuant to ORC, chapter 945.01 and 945.02. Exsanguination may be used to ensure death subsequent to stunning or in otherwise unconscious animals.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:2095.1.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, Board of Animal Health, LR 39:3245 (December 2013).

Mike Strain, DVM
Commissioner

1312#049