Animal Bytes
February 15, 2013
Authorized Poultry Testing Agent Course
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health will be conducting a training course for Authorized Poultry Testing Agents on Friday, March 22, 2013 in St. Cloud. The objective of this course is to identify, train and certify individuals as authorized poultry testing agents for the Board with the ability to collect samples and conduct certain tests in the field.
Some of the topics to be covered include:
- Explanation of the laws and rules that apply to the sale or exhibition of domestic poultry in Minnesota
- National Poultry Improvement Plan
- Collection of samples from poultry operations
- Rapid Whole Blood Test details
- Poultry biosecurity
- Hatchery sanitation basics
After completing the one-day course and examination, candidates participate in a field training session conducted by Board staff which is the final step in the authorization process.
To secure your spot in the course, please complete the registration form. Submit the form and payment to the Board of Animal Health.
Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event please contact the Minnesota Board of Animal Health at 651-296-2942 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-627-3529 as soon as possible.
Wisconsin: Change in Swine Import Requirements
Starting March 1, 2013, all swine entering Wisconsin will need to be accompanied by a veterinary-approved import permit that discloses the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) status of the herd of origin.
This virus causes reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory illness in young pigs, and is estimated to have cost the United States swine industry over $600 million annually.
For more information about PRRS, please visit: PRRS website.
Additional information about importing swine into Wisconsin, can be found at Wisconsin Department of Agriculture website.
Veterinary Accreditation Renewal
Reminder to re-apply
To legally perform accredited duties such as issuing certificates of veterinary inspection or vaccinating animals for brucellosis or rabies, veterinarians must be nationally accredited and authorized in the state in which they are performing these duties.
The first round of re-accreditation will take place three to five years after veterinarians are issued a National Accreditation Number (NAN). After that, accreditation must be renewed every three years. Please keep your contact information updated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure you will receive notifications. Watch for the reminders and take appropriate action to avoid disruption in your accreditation.
If you have questions about this process, please contact Kelly Neisen with the USDA or at 651-260-4570.