State Board Sets Animal Health Meeting

By Scout Nelson

The State Board of Animal Health announces that it will hold its next meeting at 9 a.m. on Monday, December 1, at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture inside the State Capitol. The meeting will take place in the sixth-floor conference room. Anyone who would like call-in details may contact the department before the meeting begins.

The meeting opens with introductions and roll call. After that, the Board plans to review minutes from three previous meetings held on September 17, October 22, and November 13. Several state agencies will give updates, including the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Industry groups will also share reports. These include the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, the Independent Beef Association of North Dakota, and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service teams, including Wildlife Services and Veterinary Services. Discussion topics include animal disease traceability, electronic health certificates, and federal rules related to electronic identification tags.

A wide range of disease updates is on the agenda. These include equine herpesvirus, equine infectious anemia, high-path avian influenza, new world screwworm, tuberculosis, and farmed elk issues. Updates on non-traditional livestock and cervid facility requirements are also planned.

The Board will review programs such as the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan and current importation requirements for animals, including rules for equines and heifers under 18 months. The agenda also includes information about border movement, rodeos, fairs, field investigator reports, and a fiscal update.

The meeting will also preview several upcoming agriculture events. These include the ND Livestock Alliance Summit on January 27, the Reserve Veterinary Corps Meeting on January 29, the ND Veterinary Medical Association Winter Conference on January 30, and the Certified Swine Sample Collector Course on February 12.

Some topics may be moved, added, or held in executive session if needed. The Board president will decide when breaks occur during the meeting.

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