Bison
A separate entry permit from the Animal Health Branch, valid for 15 days and approved prior to entry into California, 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 an entry permit may be refused. Additional pre-entry test procedures may be required for evaluation before considering an entry permit. Animals may be held at their destination pending inspection by department personnel. If bison are found that have not met California requirements they will be required either to meet the requirements, leave the state, or go to slaughter. The entry permit number shall be recorded on all documents accompanying the shipment. No diversion from the requested destination will be allowed.
Health requirements for admitting Bison into California
- When is a health certificate required?
- Is a Brucellosis vaccination required?
- Is a Brucellosis test required?
- When is a Trichomonosis (Trich) test required?
- Is a Tuberculosis test required?
A copy of the health certificate and all other entry documents shall be presented to government officials upon request. All entry documents must be kept available for examination and copying for at least two (2) years after entry. The department may levy a penalty or refuse future entry to any person who causes brucellosis infection or violates entry requirements.
When is a health certificate required?
A copy of a valid Health Certificate, with individual identification, shall accompany each load or part of a shipment entering California containing any bison more than six (6) months of age and any bison requiring a blood test prior to entry.
Is a Brucellosis vaccination required?
Vaccination is not required for bison to enter California.
Is a Brucellosis test required?
Negative test is required for bison that are:
- Unvaccinated bison six (6) months of age and over.
- Unvaccinated heifers of vaccination age entering with a Special Entry Permit to be vaccinated on arrival (by policy within 14 days). Destination must be certified. Owner certification. Call for permit form.
- Vaccinated bison females 24 months and over.
- Parturient or post-parturient of any age.
Negative test is not required for bison that are:
- Steers or identified spayed heifers.
- Less than six (6) months of age.
- From Certified Free Herds with herd number and date of current test recorded on Health Certificate.
- Slaughter bison for direct delivery to a slaughter facility with government inspection must be identified sufficiently to ensure tracing to the premises of origin. A properly placed USDA backtag is acceptable in place of an eartag if the backtag number is listed and the list is stapled to a Health Certificate. The backtag must be traceable to the animal's herd of origin and must be the last identification applied before California entry and moving to slaughter.
When is a Trichomonosis (Trich) test required?
A Trich test is not required as long as the herd of origin has not been infected within the past 24 months.
Is a Tuberculosis test required?
Negative TB test(s) is required for all bison within 60 days of entry originating from any State that is less than "Accredited Free".