06/23/06 State vet warns livestock shippers

Washington Ag June 23, 2006 The misguided actions of a few livestock shippers are putting Washington's $1.7 billion livestock and poultry industry at risk of serious disease outbreaks. That warning came this week from state veterinarian Doctor Leonard Eldridge, who says state officials are stepping up their efforts to ensure shippers have proper ownership and health certificates. Eldridge: "Well there are reports of livestock that have entered the state and that are moving throughout the state that haven't met Washington's health requirements, both entry into the state and change of ownership requirements. This is a big risk to the livestock industry if we don't make sure these animals meet Washington's animal health requirements. The first thing we need to do is just start looking to see what is going on and that is what we are doing." The Washington Cattlemen's Association says it supports the stepped up oversight. For information on livestock import permits or interstate test requirements, as well as brand inspections call the Washington State Department of Agriculture in Olympia or visit their website and look under "Food and Animals." I'm Bob Hoff. [For information on livestock import permits or interstate test requirements, call the WSDA in Olympia at (360) 902-1878. For information on brand inspections, call (360) 902-1855. For information via the Internet, go to www.agr.wa.gov and review the information under "Food and Animals."]