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Candace Smith & Lindsay Burley: Requirements for Transporting Cattle Into Kentucky
Candace Smith & Lindsay Burley Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC
There are many reasons why you may want to transport cattle or other livestock, including for slaughter, auctions, breeding, shows, rodeos, fairs, and grazing, among others. If you are transporting cattle across state lines, however, you may have to comply with certain import requirements. Some of these requirements are in place to ensure the health of the cattle being imported. For example, importing beef cattle and dairy cattle, as well as importing cattle for sale, breeding, and exhibition, all require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (“CVI”). In general, CVIs help to guarantee that the cattle being moved do not carry illnesses or parasites that would be harmful to the other people or animals that are in the destination area or attending the same event. For example, cattle with specific diseases such as brucellosis, tuberculosis, scabies, ticks, or Johne’s disease may be prevented from entering Kentucky or face additional requirements to enter the state. 302 KAR 20:040. A CVI must contain the following information: 1. Identification of each animal recorded on the certificate.
An official individual identification shall be required unless group or lot identification numbers are approved by U.S.
Department of Agriculture or the Office of State Veterinarian; 2. The species, breed, sex, and age of the animal; 3. The name and address of the owner or agent shipping the animal and the location from which the animal is shipped; 4. The name and address of the person receiving the animal and the location at which the animal will be received; and 5. The following statement or one substantially similar: "I certify as an accredited veterinarian that the above described animals have been inspected by me and that they are not showing signs of infection or communicable disease (except if noted).
The vaccinations and results of tests are as indicated on the certificate. To the best of my knowledge, the animals listed on this certificate meet the state of destination and federal interstate requirements." 302 KAR 20:020. Cattle that are imported for exhibition, breeding, or sale, as well as dairy cattle, must have an official identifier, such as an official USDA animal tag; official breed association tattoo, tag, or photograph; or breed registration brand, among others. Id. Additionally, an entry permit is required for cattle entering Kentucky, except for steers, spayed heifers, or cattle being presented at exhibition only. 302 KAR 20:040. The permit number must be recorded on the CVI. Id. Cattle being transported into Kentucky for slaughter, however, do not have to meet such rigorous import requirements. For example, neither a CVI nor an entry permit is required for cattle entering the state for slaughter. Instead, the cattle must simply move directly to a state-federal approved stockyard or to a recognized slaughter facility for slaughter within 72 hours of entering the state, and must have an Owner-Shipment Statement, which states the address the cattle was moved from, the destination, and the owner’s and shipper’s name and address. It is important to determine what import requirements apply to cattle that you are transporting or receiving on the front end. An attorney can help you determine what requirements are necessary to comply with the import laws. On the other hand, an attorney can also help you determine if certain requirements are unnecessary, which could save you time and money.

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These materials are public information and have been prepared solely for educational purposes. These materials reflect only the personal views of the authors and are not individualized legal advice. It is understood that each case is fact-specific, and that the appropriate solution in any case will vary. Therefore, these materials may or may not be relevant to any particular situation. Thus, the authors and Steptoe & Johnson PLLC cannot be bound either philosophically or as representatives of their various present and future clients to the comments expressed in these materials. The presentation of these materials does not establish any form of attorney-client relationship with the authors or Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. While every attempt was made to ensure that these materials are accurate, errors or omissions may be contained therein, for which any liability is disclaimed.


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