5C-26.003. General Requirements for Importation

(1) All cervidae for importation shall originate from a herd which participates in a surveillance/prevention program(s) established by the United States Department of Agriculture or the State Veterinarian or Chief Animal Health Officer, or equivalent, of the State in which the originating herd is located. The originating herd status shall be CWD free for sixty (60) months prior to importation of any animals into Florida.

(2) OCVI Required. All cervidae imported into the state, except cervidae consigned directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment, shall be accompanied by an OCVI. The OCVI shall be attached to the waybill or be in the possession of the driver of the vehicle or person otherwise in charge of the animals. The OCVI shall accompany the animals to their final destinations in Florida. Animals entering the state without an OCVI or otherwise entering the state in violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be stopped by an agent, servant, or employee of the FDACS or by any law enforcement officer of the state of Florida or any subdivision of the state. Any person, firm, or association having charge, custody, or control of animals imported in violation shall remove the animals from the state as directed by the FDACS.

(a) All information required on the OCVI shall be fully completed by the issuing veterinarian and shall include the following:

1. The name, physical address and phone number of the consignor;

2. The name, physical address and phone number of the consignee;

3. The point of origin;

4. The point of destination;

5. The date of examination;

6. The number of animals examined;

7. The individual permanent identification number(s) or other identification approved by the FDACS, for each animal;

8. The sex, age, and breed of each identified animal;

9. Test results and herd or state status on CWD, brucellosis and tuberculosis as specified in Rule 5C-26.005, F.A.C.;

10. A statement by the issuing veterinarian that the animals identified on the OCVI are free of signs of infectious, communicable or neurologic disease; and

11. The phone number of the issuing veterinarian.

(b) A copy of the OCVI, approved by the chief animal health official of the state of origin, shall be forwarded immediately to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry, Tallahassee, Florida.

(c) The OCVI shall be void thirty (30) days after issuance.

(3) All cervidae shall have prior permission from the State Veterinarian or FDACS representative prior to importation. This permission will be recorded by a number or certificate which shall accompany the OCVI during any animal movement.

(4) Consignee shall possess, and provide for inspection, a valid FWC license or permit to possess wildlife, as required by rule or law.

(5) Consignee’s herd shall be registered and comply with the requirements of the FDACS Cervidae Herd Health Plan.

Specific Authority 585.002, 585.08, 585.145 FS. Law Implemented 585.004, 585.145, 585.17 FS. History–New 11-27-02.