Requirements changed for imported feeder heifers and dairy cattle

BISMARCK, N.D. - At the recent State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) meeting, the board removed official identification requirements for imported feeder heifers less than 18 months of age and lifted the tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements for dairy cattle coming to the state from TB-free states.

Breeding cattle, regardless of age, will continue to require official identification on the certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) to enter North Dakota. A permit will be required unless the CVI is electronic.

"Due to the federal Animal Disease Traceability rule, official identification placed after Nov. 5, 2024, must be electronically readable," State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress said. "With limited radio-frequency identification tags available, the board is removing that requirement for feeder heifers less than 18 months of age."

"After considering information presented by industry representatives and veterinarians, the board determined that these changes presented negligible risk to animal health in North Dakota," Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said.

Full requirements may be found at https://www.ndda.nd.gov/beefrequirements.