In addition, the veterinary clinic that submits the samples typically charges a shipping and handling fee. Based on samples submitted during last summer’s fairs, shipping and handling fees ranged from $7 and $13.50.
Minimum costs to test a small herd for PRRSv and PEDv would be $72.25 and a large herd would be $182.75.
The proposed rule allows a producer to collect samples under the direction of a veterinarian. Additional costs may be incurred if the producer chooses to have a veterinarian collect the samples. These costs are indeterminate.
The entities that may be affected by this rule modification include veterinarians and swine producers. To assist veterinarians in this process, sample herd plans will be provided.
Reporting, Bookkeeping and other Procedures
This rule establishes testing requirements for commercial swine imported into or moving within Wisconsin in order to control the spread of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv).
The paperwork associated with this proposed rule includes maintaining the test results of swine tested for PRRS and PEDv. Testing must be done within 90 days before movement and these test results must be maintained as proof of compliance during movement.
Any positive testing results for PRRS or PEDv must be reported to the Department and swine owner.
For imported swine, statements from veterinarians must also be maintained as proof of compliance during movement.
If certain disease testing requirements are not met and/or veterinarian statements are not included when swine are moved:
A person importing swine to Wisconsin must get an import permit from the Department.
The Department will quarantine a swine herd. To release the quarantine, the owner will be required to have a veterinarian develop a herd plan. Certain information must be included in the herd plan and the Department will provide sample herd plans to assist veterinarians in herd plan development. Professional Skills Required
The proposed rule does not specify professional skills required for small businesses.
Accommodation for Small Business
Many of the businesses affected by this rule are “small businesses.” For the most part, this rule does not make special exceptions for small business, because disease does not differentiate or respect business size.
There will be some costs to producers to test their herds for these diseases, but such costs will be minimal compared to the substantial economic burden of these highly infectious diseases to Wisconsin’s $136 million swine industry.
Conclusion
This rule will generally benefit affected businesses, including “small businesses.” Negative effects, if any, will be few and limited. This rule will not have a significant adverse effect on “small business,” and is not subject to the delayed “small business” effective date provided in s. 227.22(2) (e), Stats.
