SF739

This legislative bill, SF No 739, aims to regulate the importation of live Cervidae (deer family) into Minnesota. It proposes the following main points:

1. Import Restrictions: A person cannot import live Cervidae from areas where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected in the past five years, unless the animals have tested negative for the disease using an approved live-animal test.

2. Certification Requirement: Live Cervidae or Cervidae semen must come from herds that are part of a chronic wasting disease certification program approved by state, federal, or provincial authorities, and have achieved the highest certification status.

3. Exemptions for Zoos and Exhibitors: The restrictions don’t apply to transfers between two facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or from such a facility to an exhibitor licensed by the USDA if they meet certain conditions about animal management and conservation contributions.

4. Special Permits for Orphaned Cervidae: The bill also allows for the commissioner of natural resources to issue a permit for importing orphaned wild cervid species that are not susceptible to chronic wasting disease, following a joint risk assessment with the receiving facility.

The goal of these regulations is to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease while allowing for controlled and safe movement of these animals for conservation and educational purposes within accredited facilities.