Bison Entry Requirements

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection

A valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate, listing the California entry permit number, individual identification and test results must accompany each shipment containing any bison entering California. The complete physical origin and destination address along with the permit number and proof the following requirements have been met are required on the CVI.

California Entry Permit

A California entry permit, issued by CDFA- Animal Health Branch, which is valid for 15 days, is required for each shipment containing any bison of any age and sex. In any case where the Department suspects that a proposed movement may pose a danger to California livestock a California entry permit may be refused. Permits are only issued to the accredited licensed veterinarian from the state of origin. Call the Livestock Movement Section at (916) 900-5052 to request a California entry permit.

Official Individual Identification

All bison of any age and sex require official individual identification.

Brucellosis Test

A negative brucellosis test within 30 days prior to entry is required for all bison except steers or identified spayed heifers, bison from Certified Free Herds with the herd number and date of current test recorded on Health Certificate, and bison for direct delivery to a federally inspected slaughter facility.

Trichomonosis (Trich) Test:

A Trich test is required if the herd of origin has been infected with Trich in the past 24 months. In this situation please call (916) 900-5052 for more information.

Tuberculosis (TB) Test:

A negative TB test is required for all bison 6 months of age and over, within 60 days prior to entry.