SECTION 35:15-17-56. Commuter herds

(a)   Any person, firm or corporation importing or exporting cattle or bison as a commuter herd in Oklahoma shall prepare an approved commuter herd agreement. The agreement shall be signed by the herd owner, or legal representative, and the State Veterinarians of all states in which the commuter herd resides. A commuter herd permit number will be assigned to each approved commuter herd.

(b)   All commuter herds shall be a part of a valid farming, breeding, or ranching operation and any movement shall be in the course of normal farming, breeding or ranching activities without change of ownership. Only those bulls and cows and their calves which are a part of the breeding herd may be moved as a commuter herd. Movements shall only be between premises designated on the agreement.

(c)   Any commuter herd which has disclosed reactors affected with field strain brucellosis during the previous forty-eight (48) months shall have a negative complete herd test within thirty (30) days of submission of the commuter herd agreement for consideration. Approval, denial or revocation of commuter herd status shall be based on the herd management and health history as evaluated by the designated brucellosis epidemiologists of all states in which the commuter herd resides.

(d)   The animals in an approved commuter herd may be moved between the states approving the commuter herd agreement without additional tests for brucellosis provided they are accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection issued by an accredited veterinarian within thirty (30) days of the movement. All requirements regarding any other infectious or contagious diseases shall be completed prior to issuance of the certificate of veterinary inspection.

[Source: Added at 13 Ok Reg 3945, eff 10-11-96; Amended at 27 Ok Reg 2420, eff 7-25-10]