HF1676

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify the current agricultural regulations concerning farmed Cervidae (deer and related animals) in Minnesota, focusing on the surveillance and management of chronic wasting disease (CWD).

Main Provisions

• Annual Inventory and Reporting: Deer farmers must have their herds verified annually by an accredited veterinarian and report the inventory to the Board of Animal Health.
• Movement Restrictions: Any movement of farmed Cervidae must be reported within 14 days. Particularly, white-tailed deer from herds that test positive for chronic wasting disease cannot be moved.
• Mandatory CWD Testing: All farm-raised Cervidae over six months old that die or are slaughtered must be tested for chronic wasting disease.
• CWD Detection Response: When CWD is found on a farm, the owner must:
  • Allow inspections by relevant authorities.
  • Depopulate the farm after federal indemnification (compensation) is complete, or if indemnification is not pursued within 30 days.
  • Maintain any required fencing for ten years and mark it with biohazard signs.
  • Cease raising Cervidae on the premises for ten years.
  • Disclose CWD issues to any property buyers and file appropriate records with the county, specifying detection and depopulation dates.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Enhanced CWD Management: The bill mandates stricter surveillance and response protocols in cases of CWD outbreaks.
• Long-Term Restrictions on Affected Lands: Properties that experience CWD outbreaks face a ten-year ban on raising Cervidae, and owners must legally record and disclose the CWD status to future buyers.

Relevant Terms

• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
• Farmed Cervidae
• Indemnification
• Biohazard
• Board of Animal Health