Rule-Making Notices (Hearing Notices)

Farm-raised Deer

All of the surrounding states require CWD testing of farm- raised deer:

•   Illinois requires any farm-raised deer dying from an unknown cause that has exhibited neurological disorder be tested for CWD, and any farm-raised deer exhibiting symptoms of CWD to be destroyed and tested, or quarantined until it can be determined that the animal does not have CWD.

Additionally, two `voluntary' CWD herd monitoring programs have been established (“Certified Monitored" and “Contained Monitored") - intrastate movement or sales of farm-raised deer are contingent upon participation in one of the programs.

•   Iowa requires that farm-raised deer purchased or moved be enrolled in a CWD surveillance program. The voluntary surveillance program requires collecting and submitting appropriate samples from all cases of mortality, including slaughter, in animals 16 months of age and older and requires copies of the laboratory reports to be maintained.

•   Michigan requires mandatory CWD surveillance; all death losses due to illness in farm-raised deer herds for deer that are over 12 months of age, and 25% of hunted/culled deer must be reported to Department of Agriculture and samples submitted for CWD testing.

•   Minnesota requires mandatory CWD testing for all farm-raised deer.

Animal Markets, Animal Truckers, and Animal Dealers

All surrounding states license Animal Markets and Dealers. These licensed entities are required to meet minimum standards regarding facilities and animal handling, and record keeping.

Humane Officers

•   Iowa has no related program.

•   The Minnesota Federated Humane Societies (MFHS) is authorized to provide a one-day training class on the Minnesota animal laws and related topics. The MFHS administers a test at the end of the one-day training, and certifies those that pass. There is no requirement for additional training or continuing education.

•   Michigan requires individuals to complete 100 hours of training classes, or other experience on their own. Documentation of the training is submitted to the Michigan Department of Agriculture for approval. If the training is approved, the department issues a letter of approval. The individual is then able to seek employment with a jurisdiction. No additional continuing education is required.

•   Illinois requires volunteers that are sponsored by a humane society, to attend a ½ day training course conducted by the Department of Agriculture reviewing the animal laws of the state. An exam is then administered after the review. The individual must pass the test once every 2 years to maintain certification. The individual is then authorized to conduct investigations of animal welfare complaints. No additional continuing education is required.

Data and analytical methodologies

USDA specifies standard animal disease test methods and procedures that are incorporated by reference in current DATCP rules.

Fiscal Impact

This rule will not have a significant state or local fiscal impact. This rule reduces overall revenue to the state by an estimated $3,200 in the following manner:

•   This rule creates an additional category of farm-raised deer keeper that has a lower fee. The department estimates that this provision will affect 44 currently registered deer farmers, allowing them to register at the lower fee, reducing state revenues by $3,400.

•   This rule increase the fee for humane officer certification by $10 (from $25 to $35) generating $240 in additional revenue annually.

Business Impact

This rule will have a generally positive impact on business. This rule will have few, if any, negative impacts on business. Negative impacts, if any, will be limited.

DATCP's small business regulatory coordinator is Keeley Moll at the address above. Email [e-mail]. Telephone [phone].

Economic Impact

This rule will have no impact on local units of government or public utility rate payers. This rule will have limited impact on specific businesses and business sectors a majority of which are small businesses as summarized above. In general this rule will have a generally positive impact on the effected industries.

This rule's overall economic impact is limited in scope and will not have an impact on the overall economy of the state.

Standards Incorporated by Reference

Pursuant to s. 227.21, Stats., DATCP is seeking permission from the attorney general to incorporate the following standards by reference in this rule, without reproducing the standards in full in this rule:

•   Program standards for the national voluntary Johne's disease control program, United States department of agriculture, animal and plant health inspection service, publication number 91-45-016 (September, 2010).

•   National Poultry Improvement Plan and Auxiliary Provisions, United States department of agriculture, animal and plant health inspection service, publication number 91-55-088, (July, 2011).

Contact Person

Melissa Mace, Division of Animal Health, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911; telephone [phone]; email: [e-mail].