Meat Goats - Health Requirements

J-M Luginbuhl

ACCESS TO UP-TO-DATE IMPORT REQUIREMENTS THROUGH THE CENTER FOR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND ANIMAL HEALTH VOICE RESPONSE SERVICE

Each individual state sets the health requirements which must be met by animals coming into their state. For example, animals transported across state lines into North Carolina require a certificate of veterinary inspection completed by a licensed and accredited veterinarian. This certificate is completed by a veterinarian at the origin of the shipment. State veterinarians determine the requirement for such entry. The major purpose is to safeguard the health of animal populations. These state requirements are subject to periodic changes; therefore it is impossible to provide a current set of requirements of each of the states.

The Voice Response Service (VRS) of the Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health is available to individuals wanting to know what health papers and tests are required to transport livestock to another state.

The VRS is a 24-hour, 365 days a year (including holidays) access system that allows users to retrieve information. The retrieval system is accessed by simply dialing 1-800-545-8732 on a TOUCH TONE PHONE.

Once connection is made with the VRS, a simulated human voice announces a series of menus. The user can listen to emergency notices which may be in effect or select regulations pertinent to a specific state. FOR EACH SPECIFIC STATE, THE STATE VETERINARIAN PHONE NUMBER IS GIVEN IF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CURRENT REGULATIONS OR PERMITS ARE NEEDED. Additional menus provided by some states allow the user to select specific categories of import requirements. This system is very user friendly and offers everyone the opportunity to know ahead of time what tests are needed to transport animals, semen and embryos across state lines for purchase, breeding or showing.

Because import requirements vary in each state, selections may be different from state to state. State and species codes are listed below:

The voice instructions of the VRS system are very easy to follow. This system has proven to be very helpful in providing accurate information on requirements for the movement of animals. So plan ahead and call 1-800-545-8732.