SECTION 35:15-1-2. Definitions

  The following words or terms, when used in this Subchapter, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Accredited veterinarian" means a veterinarian approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to perform functions required for state or cooperative state and federal animal disease control and eradication programs.

"Animal disease traceability" means the ability to trace an animal to its site of application of official identification and/or premises of origin as set out in 9 CFR Parts 71, 77, 78, 86, et al. Traceability for Livestock Moving Interstate; Final Rule.

"Approved tagging site" means a premises, authorized by APHIS, State, or Tribal animal health officials, where livestock may be officially identified on behalf of their owner or the person in possession, care, or control of the animals when they are brought to the premises.

"Backtag" means a USDA approved identification system consisting of a tag of special tough paper, bearing identification codes relating to origin of animals, which are stuck to animals a few inches from the midline and just behind the shoulder with very strong glue. The backtag is designed as temporary identification for easy reading in livestock auction markets to help trace the origin of livestock in Department investigations.

"Certificate of veterinary inspection" means an official document or its electronic equivalent approved by the chief livestock official of the state of origin issued by an accredited veterinarian at the point of origin of a shipment of animals that includes the name and address of the consignor; the name and address of the consignee; the entry permit number, if applicable; the age, sex, number, and breed of the animal; sufficient identifying marks or tags to positively identify each animal; purpose of shipment; and the results of all required tests. It shall also include a record of a physical examination of the animal verifying that each animal is free from visible evidence of any contagious, infectious, or communicable diseases and that the animals do not originate from an area of quarantine, infestation, or infection. A certificate of veterinary inspection is valid for thirty (30) days after the date of issuance. The term certificate of veterinary inspection shall also include an official health certificate, an official certificate, or a certificate.

"Commuter herd" means all cattle under common ownership or supervision, that are located on one (1) or more premises in two (2) or more states and there is an interchange or interstate movement of animals between premises in those states as part of the normal farming, breeding or ranching operation without a change of ownership. A commuter herd agreement shall be completed and approval of commuter herd status shall be obtained from each chief animal health official of all states in which the herd resides.

"Designated epidemiologist" means an epidemiologist selected by the State Veterinarian who has been designated to perform those functions necessary for the classification of livestock suspected to be infected with a particular disease, based on an evaluation of test results and consideration of the animal and herd history, as well as other epidemiological factors.

"Livestock special sale" means a consignment, production, or farm sale, other than a regular livestock auction, where livestock are sold.

"Official identification" means any official method of identification approved by USDA, as described by 9 C.F.R. § 86.1, or the State Veterinarian. Official identification for specific species may be further defined within the applicable section of the Oklahoma Administrative Code. Backtags shall not be considered official identification unless the animal is shipped directly to slaughter. The term "official ear tag" is synonymous with "official identification."

"Owner-Shipper statement" means a statement signed by the owner or shipper of the livestock being moved stating the location from which the animals are moved interstate; the destination of the animals; the number of animals covered by the statement; the species of animal covered; the name and address of the owner at the time of the movement; the name and address of the shipper; and the identification of each animal, as required by the regulations, unless the regulations specifically provide that the identification does not have to be recorded.

"Quarantine" means a written notice or order issued by an authorized agent of the Department showing the boundaries of the area or premise affected, the animals restricted, and conditions, if any. No livestock held under quarantine may be moved or released without a written permit or quarantine release signed by an authorized agent.

"Resident herd of origin" means a group of livestock that have been maintained as a herd or flock on the same premises for at least four (4) months.

"Special sale permit" means a permit from the Animal Industry Services Division to hold a consignment, production, farm, or special sale.

"State animal health official" means the state animal health official, or designee, who is responsible for the livestock and poultry disease control and eradication programs in a state.

[Source: Added at 23 Ok Reg 2144, eff 6-25-06; Amended at 26 Ok Reg 607, eff 1-13-09 (emergency); Amended at 26 Ok Reg 1808, eff 7-1-09; Amended at 27 Ok Reg 2411, eff 7-25-10; Amended at 30 Ok Reg 788, eff 7-1-13; Amended at 31 Ok Reg 717, eff 9-12-14; Amended at 33 Ok Reg 1150, eff 9-11-16; Amended at 35 Ok Reg 751, eff 9-14-18; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 947, eff 9-14-220]