Agricultural News
Oklahoma Enacts Ban on Importation of Feral Swine, Felony for Violators
Tue, 21 Apr 2015 14:51:49 CDT
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) has enacted a ban on the movement of out of state feral swine into the State of Oklahoma. After recent violations of the Feral Swine Control Act where feral swine that were positive for pseudorabies and brucellosis were transported into Oklahoma from Texas, the agency feels it is necessary to ban importation of the swine without the express written consent of the State Veterinarian.
No person shall import feral swine into this state unless the live feral swine are going directly to a slaughter facility in a sealed trailer and accompanied by a USDA VS 1-27 permit for the movement of restricted animals. Those transporting feral swine into this state must now also have the written consent of the State Veterinarian. Illegal importation of feral swine into the state is a felony.
In addition to other statutory authority, the State Veterinarian, upon obtaining concurrence of the State Board of Agriculture, may issue emergency orders governing animals in order to protect the citizens and animals of the state from diseases and pests of animals. This includes prohibiting and or imposing conditions on the importing of animals into the state.
Feral swine pose a serious threat to agricultural producers and property. They are known to carry and transmit multiple diseases that can be contracted by livestock, people, pets and wildlife. The State Veterinarian is charged with protecting the herd health of livestock within the State of Oklahoma and the increased restrictions on movement of out of state feral swine will assist in protecting all Oklahoma livestock producers.
For more information regarding feral swine, or to report illegal activity visit: www.ag.ok.gov/ais/feralswine.
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