5C-30.002. Procedures for Inspection of Animals to be Imported into or Moved Within the State

(1) Any person importing animals into the State of Florida or moving animals within the state is subject to inspection by a Department representative to determine whether the animal has the appropriate health documentation as provided in Chapters 5C-3 and 5C-4, F.A.C. and Section 585.145, F.S., shows signs of illness, or is deceased.

(a) Inspections will generally occur at the interdiction stations maintained by the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement of the Department. This inspection does not replace or limit the ability of the Department to inspect premises or transport vehicles at other locations for violations as provided in Section 570.07(2), F.S.

(b) Any person transporting animals into or within the state shall present the animals for inspection whenever there is a Department interdiction station of the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement on their route.

(c) At the interdiction stations, a Department representative shall inspect all animals being transported into or within the state. The transporter, owner or operator transporting animals into or within the state is responsible for ensuring that each animal moved into or within the state is accompanied by the appropriate health documentation.

(2) The department may refuse entry into the state or quarantine, any animal that is not accompanied by the appropriate health documentation, any animal showing signs of illness, or dead animals.

(3) Where any health documentation for an animal being transported into or within the state is missing or inadequate, where there are animals showing signs of illnesses, or where there are dead animals, the Department representative shall follow the procedures outlined in Table I, 5C-30.003, F.A.C., in determining the appropriate action for a violation. In addition to refusal of entry or quarantine, the Department may issue Advisory Notices or impose administrative fines in accordance with Table I, 5C-30.003, F.A.C.

(4) Any animal required to be quarantined to destination or to premises of origin shall be maintained in strict isolation, until such time as a Department representative releases the animal from quarantine.

(5) When the Department determines that the threat of disease ceases to exist and/or animal health requirements have been met, a Department representative will provide notification that the quarantine has been released and is no longer in effect.

Rulemaking Authority 570.07(23), 585.002(4), 585.08(2)(a) FS. Law Implemented 570.07(15), 570.36(2), 585.003, 585.08(2)(a), 585.145(1), (2), 585.16, 585.23, 585.40 FS. History–New 5-24-10.