An outbreak of vesicular stomatitis (VS) in Montana, Wyoming and other states has led North Dakota’s state veterinarian to modify a long-standing exemption allowing transport of livestock from a farm or ranch to an auction market without a health certificate.

“Until further notice, all cattle, sheep, bison, and horses from any state currently reporting VS must have a health certificate, permit number, and VS statement to be brought to a North Dakota auction market,” State Veterinarian Susan Keller, DVM, said Aug. 23. “The waiver that allows cattle, sheep and bison to move from a producer’s premises directly to an auction market without a certificate of veterinary inspection is suspended with respect to states with VS.”

States that have VS-positive cases presently include Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

North Dakota’s animal import requirements, including an emergency notice on vesicular stomatitis, can be found at www.agdepartment.com/Programs/Livestock/BOAH/AnimalImportation.htm