5C-4.0017. General Requirements, Exemptions and Limitations

(1) Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI) Required. Animals presented for exhibition purposes in Florida, unless specifically exempted, must be accompanied by an OCVI issued by a veterinarian accredited in the state of origin.

(a) The OCVI must be complete including the breed, sex, and registration number, and the Official Individual Identification of each Animal.

(b) Results of a specific test requirement or herd accreditation, certification or validation number for each Animal must be recorded on the OCVI with the date of the test or herd accreditation, certification or validation.

(2) Expiration of Required OCVI.

(a) For Florida-origin Animals an OCVI is valid for 90 days from the date of issue; or until the expiration date of any required tests, whichever is the earliest date.

(b) For Animals imported into Florida for exhibition purposes only, the OCVI is valid for 30 days, except that, for an equine imported into Florida using a current Equine Interstate Passport Card, FDACS-09207 Rev. 07/05, or equivalent from the state of origin signed by the State Veterinarian or chief animal health official, the OCVI will be extended to the date of expiration of the Equine Interstate Passport Card or its equivalent of the state of origin.

(3) Exemption to Required OCVI. An OCVI is not required for Animals originating in Florida and entered in Market Classes provided that Animals are Segregated from other Animals and the pens are occupied only by the Animals in a Market Class. Pens used for Market Classes must not be reused until after cleaning and disinfecting.

(4) Inspection Required. Prior to immediate acceptance at an exhibition, all animals presented for exhibition must be visually inspected by an Authorized Representative for:

(a) The required Official Individual Identification of the Animal; and

(b) Clinical signs of disease including, but not limited to: caseous lymphadenitis, blisters/ulcers around the mouth, nostrils, coronary band, pinkeye, pox, scabies, lice, ringworm, atrophic rhinitis, or multiple warts that are clearly visible; and

(c) Evidence of compliance with Animal tests and OCVI requirements, where required.

(5) Animals Rejected for Exhibition.

(a) Any Animal in noncompliance with Animal tests and OCVI requirements, or

(b) Any Animal not meeting the Official Individual Identification requirements, or

(c) Any Animal which is suspected of having or showing clinical signs of dangerous transmissible, contagious or infectious disease on visual inspection, or any Animal which is known to be exposed to such diseases must be:

1. Immediately withdrawn from exhibition and returned to the place of origin, or

2. Examined by a Florida-licensed Accredited Veterinarian at the owner’s expense within 24 hours, who certifies by a signed, written statement, that the Animal is free of dangerous transmissible, contagious or infectious disease and pests.

Rulemaking Authority 585.002(4), 585.08(2)(a), 585.145(2) FS. Law Implemented 585.08(2)(a), 585.145(1), (2) FS. History–New 6-21-06, Amended 10-17-18.