The Board of Animal Health has a draft Proposal directed to cervids (deer). Comments are currently being accepted on this rule.

http://www.in.gov/boah/2349.htm

The proposed rule is under "during the last meeting"

The next Board meeting is January 24, 2013 but the next meeting where this will be discussed is likely in April.

Jack

A person would have to be impressed with the Feds rules to be impressed with these rules. Thanks Jack for the post and information.

My emailed comment:

Comment. Your proposed rule change related to captive cervids and CWD are frankly worthless! I appreciate Indiana's will to be aligned with the federal rules but evidenced by the recent CWD issue and related deer escape, this proposed rule lacks value, enforceability and progress in protecting Indiana's wild deer herd. Ridiculous!

The Feds basically have given up. There is no longer any financial assistance in CWD testing. The Indiana rule in fact is stricter than the federal guidelines. By Federal rules individual herds in states will become certified as CWD-free and interstate shipments of those animals will be allowed. In the Indiana rule if a state has a CWD positive deer found that entire state is banned from importation to Indiana.

I do agree the enclosure rules are way too weak but that's why we have this comment period. Everyone should get on-board if they are serious about protecting the wild herd. I'm sure the Amish deer farmers will be making thier comments and showing up at the April meeting.

Jack

Ill be there in april ..

As a cattle farmer, I'm responsible for all testing done if I want to ship out of state. I'm also responsible if one of my cows gets out and causes any damages. Why is it different for these people? Cattle and deer farms are covered by the same BOAH. If the deer pimps were made to cover all the costs, you bet there wouldn't be as many escapes!!!

Yaz:

That would be a good comment and question to BOAH. The deer farmer who lost his deer to a storm in March(Seymour area), should he not be respionsible for all testing in the five county area identified by IDNR?

Yaz, explain what your liability would be if your cattle were tested Bovine TB positive. Not a trick question, just want to know how you are regulated.

If you have comments to make on this rule best get them in asap. I'll post the agenda for the January 24th meeting when it is available.

http://www.in.gov/boah/2349.htm

Jack