North Dakota Eases Import Requirements on Minnesota Cattle

FARGO, N.D. - The North Dakota State Board of Animal Health has relaxed importation requirements for Minnesota-origin cattle from all areas of Minnesota, except for what was formerly known as the Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Management Zone.

In June, 2010, the Board dropped testing requirements for the majority of Minnesota, but left in place a requirement that all cattle be officially identified, and the requirement that all cattle coming to livestock markets have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). Those additional requirements have now been dropped. Cattle from Minnesota (with the exception of the former management zone) are now treated the same as cattle from most other states. Specifically, all cattle can now come directly to the Central Livestock market in West Fargo, N.D. from the majority of Minnesota without needing a TB test, CVI or individual identification. Sexually intact cattle may need to be identified upon arrival. However cattle from the former Bovine TB Management Zone, small area in northern Minnesota, will continue to need a negative, whole herd TB test and a 60-day, negative TB test for individual animals.   

With regards to cattle that are not destined for a federally approved market, all sexually intact cattle (as well as dairy and rodeo breed cattle) that are coming to North Dakota still require a CVI and official identification.

The purpose of Central Livestock Association is to assist livestock producers in production and marketing by providing competitive prices, superior service and broader outlets through a profitable and innovative organization. Central Livestock has four livestock auction markets, located in Rock Creek, Albany and Zumbrota, Minn., and West Fargo, N.D. Corporate headquarters are in South St. Paul, Minn.

###