VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER

Office of Veterinary Services

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF

AGRICULTURE AND

CONSUMER SERVICES

State Accreditation Orientation Manual

2024

A Resource Guide for USDA Accredited Veterinarian Duties in the

Commonwealth of Virginia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Office of Veterinary Services Contact Information ------------------------------------------------------------ 1

• Information for Obtaining Supplies ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3

• Other Contact Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

• USDA Contact Information --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

• Accreditation Compliance Regulations-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

• Certificates of Veterinary Inspection----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

• Animal Disease Reporting----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

• Animal Welfare Reporting ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

• Rabies----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

• Animal ID and Traceability --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

• Equine Diseases ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

• Cattle Program Diseases ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

• Birds and Poultry --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33

OFFICE OF VETERINARY SERVICES

http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals.shtml

The Office of Veterinary Services is responsible for the state’s animal disease control and prevention

efforts, which include investigating outbreaks, providing laboratory diagnostics and containing the spread of

animal diseases. The office manages import requirements and Certificates of Veterinary Inspection, provides

oversight to livestock marketing facilities, and implements the Animal Disease Traceability Program.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone

Fax

Address

General

Information

804-786-2483

804-371-2380

vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov

State

Veterinarian

804-692-0601

804-371-2380

vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov

102 Governor Street

Richmond, VA 23219

Richmond

Office

804-786-2483

804-371-2380

102 Governor Street

Richmond, VA 23219

Harrisonburg

Regional

Office

540-209-9120

540-432-1357

261 Mount Clinton Pike

Harrisonburg, Virginia

22802

Wytheville

Regional

Office

276-228-5501

276-223-0348

250 Cassell Road

Wytheville, Virginia

24382

Animal &

Premises

Identification

Program

804-692-0600

804-371-2380

prem.id@vdacs.virginia.gov

tags@vdacs.virginia.gov

Animal Care

804-692-4001

804-371-2380

animalcare@vdacs.virginia.gov

102 Governor Street

Richmond, VA 23219

Emergency

Operation

Center – After

Hours Contact

804-674-2400

800-468-8892

INDIVIDUAL CONTACT INFORMATION

Richmond Office

Charles C. Broaddus, DVM, PhD, Dip. ACT

State Veterinarian

Director, Division of Animal and Food Industry

Services

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer

Services

charles.broaddus@vdacs.virginia.gov

Carolynn Bissett, DVM, MPH, DACVPM

Office of Veterinary Services Program Manager

Division of Animal and Food Industry Services

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer

Services

carolynn.bissett@vdacs.virginia.gov

Richmond Staff Veterinarian

Animal Care

Animal Care Supervisor

Harrisonburg Regional Office

Dan Hadacek, DVM

Northern Regional Veterinary Supervisor

dan.hadacek@vdacs.virginia.gov

Tabitha Moore, DVM

Harrisonburg Field Veterinarian

tabitha.moore@vdacs.Virginia.gov

Wytheville Regional Office

Chris Fletcher, DVM

Southern Regional Veterinary Supervisor

christopher.fletcher@vdacs.virginia.gov

Animal and Premise Identification

Richard Odom

richard.odom@vdacs.virgina.gov

VDACS LABORATORIES

http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals-animal-health-laboratory-services.shtml

Phone

Fax

Address

General

Information

and Billing

804-786-9202

804-371-2380

LabServices.VDACS@vdacs.virginia.gov

Harrisonburg

Laboratory

540-209-9130

540-432-1195

RAHLHarrisonburg@vdacs.virginia.gov

261 Mount Clinton Pike

Harrisonburg, Virginia

22802

Lynchburg

Laboratory

434-200-9988

434-947-2577

RAHLLynchburg@vdacs.virginia.gov

4832 Tyreeanna Road

Lynchburg, VA 24504

Warrenton

Laboratory

540-316-6543

540-347-6404

RAHLWarrenton@vdacs.virginia.gov

272 Academy Hill Road

Warrenton, VA 20186

Wytheville

Laboratory

276-228-5501

276-223-1961

RAHLWytheville@vdacs.virginia.gov

250 Cassell Road

Wytheville, Virginia

24382

SUPPLIES AVAILABLE FROM USDA OR VDACS

Supplies

Available To

Agency to Contact

Contact Info

Premise ID

Veterinarian or Producer

VDACS

prem.id@vdacs.virginia.gov

NUES Tags

Veterinarian or Producer

VDACS

Wytheville Office

Harrisonburg Office

See Above

840 Tags

Veterinarian

VDACS

Richard Odom

804-692-0600

richard.odom@vdacs.virginia.gov

Scrapie Tags

Veterinarian or Producer

USDA

christopher.a.helbig@usda.gov

(804) 343-2560

1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824)

LA or Equine Health

Certificate Book

Veterinarian

VDACS

Wytheville or Harrisonburg Office

Brucellosis Vaccination

and Test Forms

TB Test Forms

Tuberculin

Veterinarian

USDA

VDACS

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resource

s/forms/ct_vs_forms

Wytheville or Harrisonburg Office

Send completed TB Test and

Brucellosis Vaccination Charts to

charts@vdacs.virginia.gov

Coggins Forms

Veterinarian

VDACS Laboratories

Electronic Forms

Available

See Above

VSPS, Global Vet Link and some

laboratories

Tattoo Shield

Brucellosis

Veterinarian

VDACS

Wytheville Office

Harrisonburg Office

See Above

OTHER VIRGINIA CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact

Phone

Website

Virginia

Department

of Health

Dr. Julia

Murphy

804 864-8141

Epi-Comments@vdh.virginia.gov

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/en

vironmental-

epidemiology/animal-contact-

human-health/

Virginia

Board of

Veterinary

Medicine

804 367-4400

vetbd@dhp.virginia.gov

https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/B

oards/VetMed/

Virginia

Department

of Wildlife

Resources

Dr.John Tracey

(804) 367-1000

megan.kirchgessner@dwr.virginia.

gov

https://www.dwr.virginia.gov/

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION REQUIRED TO WORK ON PROGRAM DISEASES IN VA

DISEASE

AGENCY CONTACT

PHONE

Cattle TB

Dr. Dan Hadacek

Northern Regional Veterinary Supervisor

Dr. Tom Lavelle

Southern Regional Veterinary Supervisor

540-209-9120

276-228-5501

[email protected]

Tom.L[email protected]inia.gov

Cervid TB

USDA District Office

(804) 343-2560

Contagious

Equine

Metritis

Dr. Tabitha Moore

CEM Coordinator

540-209-9120

tabitha.moore@vdacs.virginia.go

USDA APHIS OFFICES

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth

For information about:

• Cooperative State-Federal Disease Eradication Programs

• International Export (Foreign Regulations, International Health Certificates)

• Report Suspected Foreign Animal Diseases

International Export Services

Preferred method of endorsement is mail forms to NY Office via FedEx/UPS/US

USDA, APHIS, VS, Veterinary Export Trade Services

500 New Karner Road, 2nd Floor

Albany, New York 12205

518-218-7540

VSPS[email protected]

General Information, Foreign Animal Disease Reporting

USDA, APHIS Veterinary Services

Attn: Field Operations

400 North 8

Street, Suite 726

Richmond, VA 23219

Telephone: (804) 343-2560

Fax: (804) 343-2599

National Veterinary Accreditation Program

Below are links to areas of the program. Contact Robin Greene at the APHIS, VS

Richmond Office for additional information.

Robin Greene

NVAP Coordinator for VA/MD/DC/DE

USDA, APHIS, VS

400 N 8th Street, Federal Building, Ste. 726

Richmond, VA 23219

Robin.T.Greene@usda.gov

Telephone: (804) 343-2560

NVAP Home Page

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/nvap

NVAP Reference Guide (provides detailed Summary of Accreditation standards and guidance)

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_accreditation/downloads/nvap_ref_guide.pdf

NVAP Training Modules

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/nvap/ct_aast

Accreditation Renewal

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/nvap/ct_renewal

NVAP CFR

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_accreditation/downloads/CFR_Parts_160-161-162.pdf

What happens when a veterinarian breaks the Accreditation Agreement?

Most of the time when an error has been made, a VMO (USDA Veterinary Medical Officer) is asked to talk

to the veterinarian. At the time of that visit, the two will determine what happened and how best to avoid the error in

the future. The VMO is required to write a report to the AVIC (Area Veterinarian in Charge – USDA) concerning

the meeting and what was decided in order to avoid the situation in the future. Once the AVIC receives the report, it

is reviewed and a file is made. Alternatively, the AVIC may send a letter of instruction or warning, depending on the

nature of the error, these letters are also placed in the veterinarian’s file. If the same mistake is made again,

repeatedly, or if several other problems arise concerning this veterinarian’s accreditation, or if the AVIC has reason

to believe that fraud or other serious violation has occurred, the AVIC can request that an Investigator for APHIS

visit the veterinarian to determine if there is sufficient evidence available to call the veterinarian in for an informal

or formal conference.

What will occur at the conference?

At the time of the conference, the following individuals will be present:

1. APHIS Compliance Officer

2. AVIC

3. State Veterinarian or a representative from that office

4. Representative of the State Board of Veterinary Examiners (Licensing Board)

The veterinarian in question will be given an opportunity to explain exactly what had occurred and the group will

determine if there is cause for further action, i.e. a formal hearing or further legal action.

Further action may include:

1. Loss of accreditation

2. Loss of license to practice veterinary medicine

3. Fines, up to $1000 per count

4. In extreme cases, a jail term

Interstate Travel

Animals that are travelling across state lines must receive a completed and signed document from

the state of origin by an accredited veterinarian after their examination of the animal. To learn the

requirements for an animal traveling to a destination state please use the following websites.

Small Animals: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/interstate-pet-travel

If you have additional questions, you may call the State Vet’s Office in the destination state. The contact

information is available at https://www.usaha.org/federal-and-state-animal-health

Large Animals: https://www.interstatelivestock.com/

If you have additional questions, you may call the State Vet’s Office in the destination state. The contact

information is available at https://www.usaha.org/federal-and-state-animal-health

CERTIFICATES OF VETERINARY INSPECTION (CVI)

ACCREDITATION COMPLIANCE REGULATIONS

Small Animal Certificate of Veterinary Inspection Forms:

VDACS does not produce Small Animal CVI Books. Veterinarians can download the APHIS

7001 form https://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS7001.pdf

. However most states do not

accept the 7001 form. All states will accept health certificates written electronically. At the time of this

writing 2 companies offer electronic CVI’s for small animals that are accepted in all states. The

veterinarian will need to make an account with the company before writing CVI’s.

Global Vet Link https://www.globalvetlink.com/

Vet Sentry: https://www.vet-sentry.com/

Large Animal Certificate of Veterinary Inspection:

Electronic certificates of veterinary inspection (eCVI) are preferred for large animals. All state

will accept eCVI’s.

Global Vet Link https://www.globalvetlink.com/

Vet Sentry: https://www.vet-sentry.com/

VSPS (USDA) https://vsapps.aphis.usda.gov/vsps/

Paper CVI books are still available. These may be obtained from one of the regional VDACS offices.

There is a shipping charge.

Wytheville 276-228-5501

Harrisonburg 540-209-9120

Instructions for Filling out a CVI:

• Only one species per form.

• An accredited veterinarian must perform the exam personally

• The form is dated on the day of examination. Small animal CVI’s are good for 10 days, large

animal for 30 days.

• The certificate must include the full name of the owner, animal name and official identification.

Addresses should be the location of the animal in the state of origin and destination. There may

be an additional box for the owner address if it is different from the animal. Do not use PO Box

numbers. You must use complete physical (911) addresses.

• Ditto marks are unacceptable. Cross out any unused portions of the form.

• Use blue ink when handwriting international certificates. You must put your name and address on

the form and sign it. All signatures must be original. Include your National Accreditation Number

(NAN).

• Put any required test results on the form. You must have test results. If the information is

“pending, they are moving illegally. If another accredited veterinarian performed the test or

vaccination and you believe it is accurate, write the other veterinarian’s name and NAN on the

CVI along with the date and the place where the test, or vaccination was performed.

• If the animal is not free of infectious disease and needs to move, for treatment for example, call

the state of destination to get permission.

• Permit numbers may be required by the state of destination. The permit number must be obtained

by the issuing veterinarian to complete the CVI. You should have the CVI completed before

communicating with the state of destination, as they will require owner and animal information

including a physical (911) address for both origin and destination, as well as the CVI number.

The permit number must be obtained and recorded on the CVI prior to the animal movement.

• The owner receives a copy of the CVI. It must accompany the shipment. The issuing accredited

veterinarian must retain a copy for 3 years. A Regional VDACS office must receive a copy of the

document for approval and forwarding to the state of destination within 7 days of issuance. This

can be done by US Postal mail or forwarded electronically, cv[email protected]ov

.If the form is

filled out electronically, it will automatically be sent to our office and the state of destination. A

copy of the CVI will also be kept in the company’s database.

• Virginia does not require health certificates for Intrastate shipment; however a negative Coggins

within 12 months on equine over 6 months of age or weaned regardless of age is required for all

equine events. If using GVL, please be sure to add the Coggins test results on the Global Vet Link

eCVI. Although both can be completed in GVL, the system does not link them. The state of

destination will not know if the Coggins has been completed or if it is current if it is not printed

on the CVI.

• An Extended Equine Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (EECVI) must be obtained through a

veterinarian and is available for horses through Global Vet Link

https://www.globalvetlink.com/eecvi/

. The EECVI extends the original timeframe of a CVI from

30 days to six (6) months from the CVI inspection date or the Coggins test expiration date,

whichever comes first. Prior to each movement, the owner must log in to the database and obtain

a Health Declaration and Movement Permit (HDMP). In order to remain a valid document, the

Coggins test form and the HDMP must be kept together (official digital copies are acceptable).

• Official ID is required for the exhibition of all cattle, sheep and goats. Individual events may

impose additional identification and health requirements, i.e. certificates, testing, vaccines, etc.

• Virginia is Brucellosis, Tuberculosis and Scrapie free.

• Please check the animal admissions requirements for the state of destination to confirm what

forms of identification will be accepted for livestock.

International Travel

Export of live animals or animal products is regulated by the USDA. For small animals visit the

pet travel website https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/take-pet-to-foreign-country

. If

endorsement is required please allow time to send and receive the documents. Send CVI’s for

endorsement to the NY Office

USDA-APHIS- Veterinary Export Trade Services

500 New Karner Road, 2nd Floor

Albany, New York 12205

518-218-7540

[email protected]a.gov

VEHCS – Veterinary Export Health Certificate System

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-

travel/vehcs-info

VEHCS allows USDA-accredited veterinarians to electronically sign and submit export health

certificates and supporting documentation to their local APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) Endorsement

Offices for review and USDA endorsement. Once finalized, the hardcopy certificate will be returned by

mail or made available electronically, depending on the destination country.

For information regarding international import and export of large animals see

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/importexport/animal-import-and-export

Accredited veterinarians are responsible for notifying the State Animal Health Official and

USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) of any disease on the VA and/or USDA reportable disease

lists within 24 hours. In the case of undiagnosed unusual disease conditions or suspected foreign animal

disease call immediately.

State Veterinarian’s Office 804-692-0601

USDA/APHIS Assistant Director 804 343-2560

After Hours, Weekends, and Holidays:

Virginia Emergency Operations Center 800-674-2400

Foreign or exotic animal diseases often present themselves as clinical disease conditions that do

not respond to therapy. The State Animal Health Official or AVIC will determine how the case is

managed and give you specific instructions at that time. If the AVIC of your State determines that an

investigation is warranted, a Federal Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician (FADD) will be assigned to

the case.

Report to your State animal health official and AVIC any suspicious clinical or necropsy findings

accompanied by a history of the diseased animal’s recent contact with either people or animals that have

just returned from a foreign country.

You should be suspicious of the following signs:

• High morbidity, high mortality;

• Signs that do not fit the classical picture;

• Vesicular lesions;

• Severe abortion storms of unknown etiology;

• Hemorrhagic septicemia;

• Severe respiratory conditions;

• Pox or lumpy skin conditions;

• Poor or no response to treatment when response is expected;

• Suspicious findings at necropsy;

• History of foreign travel, foreign visitors, and foreign mail or gifts or importation of animals,

embryos, or semen;

• CNS diseases (or undiagnosed encephalitic conditions);

• Mucosal diseases;

• Larvae in wounds;

• Avian disease with acute deaths or CNS signs;

• Unusual myiasis or acariasis (exotic flies, mites, ticks, etc.); or

• Unusual or unexplained illness or symptoms.

If you suspect a highly contagious Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) or notifiable disease, phone

the State Animal Health Officials and USDA Officials directly from the farm or premises.

Have the following information available:

ANIMAL DISEASE REPORTING

• Producer or owner name, address, county, and phone number;

• Directions to the farm or premises;

• Complete clinical history;

• Number and species of animals affected and number and species of animals

susceptible and their disease status;

• Conditions you have already ruled out;

• Any treatments given and response noted; and

• Contact information for you, including your name, address, and relevant phone number

The VA reportable Disease list is available online

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title2/agency5/chapter30/section30/

The USDA Reportable Disease List is available online

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/nvap/NVAP-Reference-Guide/Animal-Health-

Emergency-Management/Notifiable-Diseases-and-Conditions

Conditions identified by an asterisk (*) are foreign animal diseases.

Multiple Species Diseases

*Akabane

Anthrax

Aujeszky's disease (Pseudorabies, PRV)

Bluetongue (nonendemic)

Brucellosis (Brucella abortus)

Brucellosis (Brucella melitensis)

Brucellosis (Brucella suis)

*Camelpox

Chronic wasting disease

*Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD)

Equine encephalomyelitis (Eastern)

Equine encephalomyelitis (Venezuelan)

*Foot-and-mouth disease

*Glanders (Burkholderia mallei)

*Heartwater

*Japanese encephalitis

*Leishmaniosis

*Melioidosis (Burkholderia pseudomallei)

*New and Old World screwworms

Rabies

*Rift Valley fever

*Rinderpest

*Surra (Trypanosoma evansi)

Tuberculosis (M. bovis, M. tuberculosis)

Vesicular stomatitis

West Nile fever/virus

Cattle Diseases

*Bovine babesiosis

*Bovine spongiform encephalopathy

*Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia

*Hemorrhagic septicemia

*Lumpy skin disease

*Theileriosis (East Coast fever)

Trichomoniasis

*Trypanosomosis (tsetse transmitted)

Swine Diseases

*African swine fever

*Classical swine fever

*Nipah virus

Swine vesicular disease

Vesicular exanthema

Porcine enteric coronavirus disease

Sheep and Goat Diseases

*Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia

*Nairobi sheep disease

*Peste des petites ruminants

Scabies

Scrapie

*Sheep pox and goat pox

Equine Diseases

*African horse sickness

*Contagious equine metritis

*Dourine

Equine encephalomyelitis (Western)

Equine infectious anemia (EIA)

Equine piroplasmosis

Equine herpesvirus-1 myeloencephalopathy (EHV1-EHM)

*Hendra

Avian Diseases

*Duck viral hepatitis

*Exotic (virulent) Newcastle disease as defined in Chapter 10.9, Terrestrial Animal Health Code,

effective July 20, 2015

Fowl typhoid (Salmonella gallinarum)

*Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza as defined in Chapter 10.4, Terrestrial Animal Health Code,

effective July 20, 2015

Low pathogenic Avian Influenza in poultry as defined in Chapter 10.4, Terrestrial Animal Health

Code, effective July 20, 2015

Pullorum disease (Salmonella pullorum)

Turkey rhinotracheitis

Office of Veterinary Services – Animal Care

102 Governor Street

Richmond, VA 23219

804-692-4001

[email protected]irginia.gov

Virginia’s Comprehensive Animal Care Laws

http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title3.2/chapter65/

These laws outline the minimum standards of care for companion and agricultural

animals, define criminal acts of animal cruelty, provide guidelines for animal seizure and

mandate the existence of animal control officers and public animal shelters.

Role of Local Animal Control Officers

All counties and cities in Virginia are required to have an animal control officer.

Primary responsibility for enforcing Virginia’s Comprehensive Animal Care Laws rests with

local animal control and law enforcement agencies and thus complaints against individual animal

owners should be directed to local authorities.

Role of Office of Veterinary Services (OVS)

• Provides subject matter expertise on Virginia’s Comprehensive Animal Care Laws to

animal control officers

• Conducts inspection of and enforces regulations related to animal shelters

• Oversees the Humane Euthanasia in Animal Shelters Program

• Oversees and provides training to animal control officers and animal shelter workers

• Partners with the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association to encourage Virginia

veterinarians to engage with their local animal shelter, and provides subject matter

expertise on shelter medicine and oversight

Complaints against animal shelters can be filed using the online form. OVS only recognizes

complaints that are submitted on the official form.

http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals/pdf/complaintform.pdf

Role of USDA

USDA Animal Care Division is responsible for upholding and enforcing the Animal

Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The Animal Welfare Act and its associated regulations

require that federally established standards of care and treatment must be provided to all warm-

blooded animals that are bred for commercial sale, used in research, transported commercially or

exhibited to the public. The Horse Protection Act and its associated regulations seek to put an end

to soring by preventing sored horses from participating in exhibitions/shows/sales/auctions.

ANIMAL WELFARE REPORTING

Rabies issues are regulated by the Health Department. For questions about rabies

vaccination, vaccination clinics, exposure, or post exposure vaccination please contact your local

health department. A directory is found here: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/local-health-districts/

In addition, Virginia Department of Health has 2 veterinary epidemiologists on staff that are

available to answer questions.

Dr. Julia Murphy, DVM, MS, DACVPM [email protected]irginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health

101 N. 14th St.

Richmond, VA 23219

Office: 804-864-8133

Dogs and Cats

Legal requirement for vaccination:

The Code of Virginia requires that all dogs and cats receive rabies vaccine prior to

attaining 4 months of age (§3.2-6521

). A licensed veterinarian or a licensed veterinary technician

under the immediate and direct supervision of a veterinarian must administer the vaccine.

Rabies Clinics:

Animal rabies clinics that are held at a site that is not licensed by the Board of Veterinary

Medicine fall under a special exception in the Code (§3.2-6521

). To comply with the Veterinary

Practice Act, a veterinarian who administers vaccine at such clinics should ensure that the local

governing body and health department have approved the clinic.

Licensing linked to vaccination:

The Code of Virginia requires that all dogs be licensed by 4 months of age and allows

counties, cities and towns to require licensing of cats (§ 3.2-6524

). Section 3.2-6526 of the Code

of Virginia indicates that in order to be licensed, evidence of rabies vaccination that is satisfactory

to the licensing agent must be shown to the person issuing the license

(§ 3.2-6526). In most

localities this would be the county clerk.

Exemption to Vaccination:

As per § 3.2-6521, rabies vaccine exemptions are available in Virginia and so exemption

certificates may now be presented in lieu of a rabies vaccination certificate in order to purchase a

license. Veterinarians interested in applying for an exemption should discuss the process by

which they can apply with their local health departments.

Regimen:

No matter what the age at initial vaccination, the second vaccination should be

administered within a year regardless of whether the initial vaccine had 1 year or 3-year duration

of immunity. If a vaccine approved by the USDA for 3 years’ duration of immunity is used,

triennial vaccinations can be administered beginning with the second vaccination, even if the

second vaccination is overdue or early.

Rabies Certificates:

A veterinarian who vaccinates a dog against rabies shall provide the owner with a copy of

the rabies vaccination certificate. The veterinarian shall forward a copy of the rabies vaccination

certificate to the treasurer of the locality where the vaccination occurs within 45 days. It is the

responsibility of the owner to apply for a license for the vaccinated dog.

Any veterinarian that willfully fails to provide the treasurer of any locality with a copy of the

rabies vaccination certificate or the information contained in such certificate may be subject to a

civil penalty not to exceed $10 per certificate.

Livestock:

RABIES

Virginia state law does not require any species of livestock to be vaccinated. USDA

approved vaccines are available for cattle, horses and sheep. The vaccination of livestock that

have high contact with the public (e.g., in petting zoos, riding stables) should be encouraged.

Although it is legal for owners to purchase rabies vaccine and vaccinate their own animals, VDH

will not recognize an animal as vaccinated unless a licensed veterinarian or a licensed veterinary

technician who is under the immediate and direct supervision of a veterinarian on the premises

administered the vaccine.

Suspected Rabid Animals:

Cats are the domestic animal most commonly diagnosed with rabies, and raccoons followed

by skunks and foxes are the most common wildlife species diagnosed with rabies.

• Any dog or cat showing active signs of rabies or suspected of having rabies that is not

known to have exposed a person, companion animal, or livestock to rabies shall be

confined under competent observation for such a time as may be necessary to determine a

diagnosis. If, in the discretion of the local health director, confinement is impossible or

impracticable, such dog or cat shall be euthanized by one of the methods approved by the

State Veterinarian as provided in § 3.2-6546

. The disposition of other animals showing

active signs of rabies shall be determined by the local health director and may include

euthanasia and testing.

• Every person having knowledge of the existence of an animal that is suspected to be

rabid and that may have exposed a person, companion animal, or livestock to rabies shall

report it immediately to the local health department.

• Any dog or cat for which no proof of current rabies vaccination is available and that may

have been exposed to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or central nervous system

tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane, by an animal suspected to be rabid

shall be isolated in a public animal shelter, kennel, or enclosure approved by the local

health department for a period not to exceed six months at the expense of the owner or

custodian in a manner and by a date certain as determined by the local health director. A

rabies vaccination shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian prior to release.

Inactivated rabies vaccine may be administered at the beginning of isolation.

• Any dog or cat so bitten, or exposed to rabies through saliva or central nervous system

tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane with proof of current vaccination,

shall be revaccinated by a licensed veterinarian immediately following the exposure and

shall be confined to the premises of the owner or custodian, or other site as may be

approved by the local health department at the expense of the owner or custodian, for a

period of 45 days. If the local health director determines that isolation is not feasible or

maintained, such dog or cat shall be euthanized by one of the methods approved by the

State Veterinarian as provided in § 3.2-6546

. The disposition of such dogs or cats not so

confined shall be at the discretion of the local health director.

• At the discretion of the local health director, any animal that may have exposed a person

shall be confined under competent observation for 10 days at the expense of the owner or

custodian, unless the animal develops active signs of rabies, expires, or is euthanized

before that time. A seriously injured or sick animal may be euthanized as provided in §

3.2-6546

• When any suspected rabid animal, other than a dog or cat, exposes or may have exposed

a person to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a

fresh open wound or mucous membrane, decisions regarding the disposition of that

animal shall be at the discretion of a local health director and may include euthanasia as

provided in § 3.2-6546

, or as directed by the state agency with jurisdiction over that

species.

• When any animal may have exposed a person to rabies and subsequently expires due to

illness or euthanasia, either within an observation period, where applicable, or as part of a

public health investigation, its head or brain shall be sent to the Division of Consolidated

Laboratory Services of the Department of General Services or be tested as directed by the

local health department.

Please contact the local health department with concerns regarding rabies exposure Please see

website below for additional guidelines regarding rabies

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/12/2016/01/Guidelines_reformatted_kg_9_17.

pdf

For information regarding rabies exposure please see

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/animal-contact-human-

health/?tab=3

Check with destination state to determine what forms of official

identification is accepted!

Accredited veterinarians are responsible for administering federal Animal Disease

Traceability rules for animals under their care that are involved in regulatory programs or

movements. This includes the application of official ID when vaccinating animals for brucellosis,

drawing blood for brucellosis testing and field testing for tuberculosis. In addition, at least one

form of official ID must be listed on all state and federal regulatory forms for each animal

vaccinated or tested.

Animal names, management tags, brands and breed registry tattoos are not considered

official ID in Virginia and many other states for cattle, sheep and goats. These types of

identification may be included on regulatory forms, but are not a substitute for the proper use of

official ID.

Official identification should also be used on Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)

for all sexually-intact cattle, all rodeo or show cattle and all dairy cattle moving interstate – unless

they are moving directly to an official, state authorized tagging site or slaughter facility. In

addition, veterinarians responsible for shipping animals interstate are advised to check the animal

entry requirements in destination states for specific entry requirements. Not all forms of

identification are accepted by all states.

Official ID tags that use RFID technology allow animal records to be collected quickly and

accurately when needed for regulatory programs and documents. 840-series RFID tags are

available at no cost from the Office of Veterinary Services for use in all regulatory programs

when funding allows. In addition, spreadsheet-based templates and PDF forms are available that

can be used to submit vaccination and test records. Staff with the Office of Veterinary Services

are available to assist accredited veterinarians with e-business technologies and a number of

hardware and software solutions are offered by various private vendors.

Federal Animal ID and Traceability

Identification of Cattle

Identification of Sheep and Goats

Most states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and individual official ID for

sheep and goats moving interstate that are not moving direct to slaughter. In addition, sheep and

goats arriving at public livestock markets in Virginia must be officially identified. Markets may

provide tagging services, but may charge a tagging fee to producers. Virginia does not accept

tattoos as official ID for sheep and goats entering the state.

Official identification for sheep and goats includes ear tags approved by USDA for use in the

Scrapie Eradication Program or the Scrapie Flock Certification Program. For new sheep and goat

producers, a flock ID and limited number of scrapie tags can be requested by contacting USDA at

866.873.2824. Existing producers who already have a flock ID can purchase scrapie tags from a

number of online vendors (e.g., scrapietags.com

Identification of Swine

`Most swine in Virginia are part of integrated commercial production systems and use

identification requirements widely adopted by the pork industry. More information on these

programs is available at the following sites:

National Pork Board PIN Tag Program

National Pork Board Swine ID Plan

For independent swine producers, official ID tags and Certificates of Veterinary

inspection are generally required for animals moving across state lines that are not going direct to

slaughter. Producers should check with the state of destination for specific animal entry

requirements. Official 840-series swine tags are available from online vendors and VDACS can

provide official metal swine tags at no cost to producers.

For swine producers moving animals to North Carolina, you should be aware that NC has

a new identification requirement for all swine being transported on public roads. More

information can be found at this NC Cooperative Extension site

Pet swine must have official identification as above. Contact the destination state to

determine if a microchip is acceptable.

Identification of Llamas and Alpacas

Most states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and individual official

ID for llamas and alpacas moving interstate. Official identification for llamas and alpacas

are a microchip 15 digit ISO compliant (universal) or a Scrapie Serial tag.

Identification of Equids

Official identification for horses can be any of the following:

Microchip 15 digit ISO compliant (universal) with accompanying reader.

Lip Tattoo

Registered brand with brand inspection (“Brand States” only)

Animal name with 3 view photographs

Complete physical description including breed

Equine Infectious Anemia

Serum should be collected and submitted to an EIA APHIS-Approved

Laboratory using a VS Form 10-11 or approved electronic EIA submission system. EIA

is a reportable disease in all states.

EQUINE DISEASES

VS Form 10-11 Instructions Sheet

These instructions are located on the reverse side of the paper VS 10-11

(Completion of Blocks 2 - 22 is required; if none write none).

Block 1: Accession Numbers Leave blank.

Block 2: Indicate the date the veterinarian obtained the sample from the animal. This is the

official test date.

Block 3: The veterinarian determines which test should be run by the laboratory - based on the

reason for the testing.

Block 4: If more than one option applies, mark the most compelling reason for performing the

test at this time.

Interstate Movement = movement between States.

Within State Use/Annual = movement within a State (intrastate), shows/events, or any annual or

routine testing. Change Ownership/Sale = includes tests run for private sales, markets or auctions

whether required by state law or otherwise. International Import/Export = international movement

into or out of the USA. Illness/Clinical Suspect = diagnostic testing of sick animals.

Investigation/Exposure = official investigations by authorities.

Block 5: Physical address of the current home premises or residence of the animal. This includes

farms, stables or racetracks - where the animal lives at the time the blood is drawn. It may include

a market location if the home address is unknown. It should NOT include a temporary location

such as a veterinary clinic. DO NOT use a Post Office Box.

Block 6: The County of the equine residence in Box 5.

Block 7: Name and address of owner. May be a market or auction.

Block 8a: Veterinarian Name. DO NOT enter a practice name. Block 8b: Veterinarian National

Accreditation number of Cat II accredited veterinarian who drew the blood sample. Block 8c:

Signature of the accredited veterinarian who drew the blood sample. Block 8d: The date the

veterinarian signed the form. Blocks 8e, f, g.: Veterinarian Street Address, Phone Number

Physical address and phone number of veterinarian.

Block 9: Tube Number If applicable, per accredited veterinarian.

Block 10: Enter all tattoo numbers and brand(s) present and any tag number used for ID. If none

enter NONE.

Block 11: If the animal does not have a name enter NONE however, a unique identifying number

associated with the animal will be required in Block 14 or 20.

Block 12: Color Enter coat or hair color(s).

Block 13: Breed of Horse or Species: If equid is not a horse enter the species. Ex: donkey, mule,

hinny or zebra.

Block 14: Record the animal’s age (XX) in years (Y); use months (M) if less than one year

(Example: 01Y or 12M), or indicate the date of birth: MM/DD/YYYY.

Block 15: Use abbreviations in the box to the right; indicate sex.

Block 16: Enter the microchip number, and/or breed registration number or other ID number. If

none enter NONE.

Silhouette/Line drawing

This section, while not required, complements the required narrative descriptions in Blocks 21 –

26. Show, draw or otherwise represent all permanent white markings, brands, tattoos, and scars.

Mark whorls with an X. The animal should be uniquely identified. Non-descript animals require

greater detail; use whorls and scars to properly identify the animal. Detailed brands can be drawn.

Blocks 17 - 22: Head, Neck & Body, Left Fore-limb, Right Fore-limb, Left Hind-limb, Right

Hind-limb.

The narrative description is required; indicate all permanent white markings, brands, tattoos,

scars, & whorls. Blank blocks are not acceptable - if none enter NONE. The animal should be

uniquely identified. Non-descript animals require greater detail; use whorls and scars to properly

identify. For the head suggested nomenclature includes any combination of star, strip, snip, lip,

chin, blaze, bald; modified by “connected” if applicable. For limb markings describe the most

proximal extent of the white area. Suggested nomenclature includes none, heel, heels, coronet,

half pastern, pastern, fetlock, half canon, canon, carpus/hock, above carpus/hock.

Blocks 23 - 30: For Laboratory Use Only: Leave blank.

Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy Suspect

Call us

804-786-2483 day

804-674-2400 after hours

804-248-9905 Dr. Sage cell

Use the Warrenton Lab for faster turnaround time

We can assist in having lab called in if deemed necessary

Submit nasal swabs (not cotton) and whole blood (purple top) for PCR

Impose a voluntary quarantine -We can help

Isolate sick or febrile horses and implement biosecurity at the farm to prevent spread on and

off the farm off farm.

Take temperatures twice a day

If positive we will quarantine

Bovine Tuberculosis

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious, infectious, communicable disease of animals

and humans caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It is commonly a chronic, debilitating disease but

occasionally may assume an acute, rapidly progressive course. TB is widespread zoonosis of

global magnitude and affects nearly all species of vertebrates. Disease can be spread by direct

contact, inhalation of droplets expelled from infected lungs, and ingestion of contaminated feed

or milk. All accredited veterinarians must report suspected or diagnosed bovine TB promptly to

State or Federal Animal Health authorities.

Diagnosing TB in live animals depends on using an effective testing technique with an

intradermal injection of tuberculin obtained through your State Animal Health Official or APHIS

–VS Area Office. Contact your nearest VDACS Regional Office for tuberculin. See table 1 for

tuberculin test requirements for different species of animals. Veterinarians who have never

done a Caudal Fold Test (CFT) in cattle are required to have a VA State Animal Health

Official monitor the first injection. Please call your regional office to schedule an

appointment.

Because the tuberculin test is based on an immune response, the animal being tested

should not concurrently be receiving other medications, vaccinations, or anthelminthic drugs.

These agents may temporarily affect the immune system and influence the result of the tuberculin

test. In addition, avoid tail-bleeding for other diagnostic procedures (e.g., brucellosis, Johne’s

disease) at the time of tuberculin-test injection in cattle or bison because tail-bleeding may

interfere with test interpretation. Veterinarians are legally responsible for properly conducting and

evaluating the results of tuberculin tests. Therefore, perform the test yourself; do not delegate the

responsibility to a technician. For TB testing in species other than cattle or bison (e.g., cervidae),

contact your State Animal Health Official or APHIS –VS Area Office for additional guidance.

Air (open bottles) will oxidize tuberculin, sunlight, freezing, & plastics will inactivate tuberculin.

Therefore, old bottles, pre-drawn syringes, frozen product, and product not stored in brown glass

will likely be ineffective in proper testing (false negatives).

Not all CFT responders have bovine TB. Animals exposed to or infected with other

related bacteria such as avian TB, Johne's Disease, human TB, and soil mycobacteria may also

respond to the CFT test. These “false-positive” responses may occur in 0.3% of tested cattle.

Suspect results must be reported to the VDACS regional office immediately. Suspects must be

re-tested by a State or Federal Animal Health Veterinarian in less than 10 days from injection,

or wait 60 days for re-test during which time the entire herd is held under quarantine.

CATTLE PROGRAM DISEASES

Tuberculosis Testing Information

VDACS requires all veterinarians to have been State TB certified in order to conduct TB

testing. Additionally, testing of any species other than cattle or bison requires special training.

Contact the VDACS regional office for instructions. All animals to be tested must have official

identification.

Tuberculosis Testing in Cattle and Bison

1. Use a 3/8” 26 g needle with a ½ cc or 1cc disposable syringe. Draw in one dose,

0.1cc, of USDA Contract Bovine PPD tuberculin at a time.

2. Clean the caudal fold with cotton.

3. Insert the full length of the needle between the superficial layers of the skin

(intradermal), withdraw slightly, and inject. A proper injection will raise a small bleb

at the injection site.

4. Read the test at 72 hours (plus or minus 6 hours).

5. Read the test by palpation and observation. This is to be done by the veterinarian that

injected the animal(s).

6. Note all responses on the test chart and the record the animal(s) as suspect.

7. Suspects must be reported by telephone, on the day of observation, to the VDACS

Regional Veterinary Office. Make a copy of the test chart available for VDACS. The

comparative test must be conducted by a State Animal Health Veterinarian or USDA

VMO within 10 days of initial injection.

8. The testing veterinarian is held responsible for the proper application and reading of

tuberculin tests.

9. Test records must be completed and forwarded within 10 business days of

observation to the Wytheville or Harrisonburg Office.

Table 1—Tuberculin test information for various animal species

Species Dose and type Site

Read test visually &

palpate

Cattle & Bison 0.1 mL PPD bovis Caudal fold 72 h ± 6 h

Horses Not reliable n/a n/a

Sheep & Goats 0.1 mL PPD bovis Caudal fold 72 h

Swine 0.1 mL PPD bovis

Bases of each ear

or vulvar lips

48 h

Poultry 0.05 mL PPD avian Wattle 48 h

Exotic Bovidae

(antelope)

0.1 mL PPD bovis Midcervical 72 h

Deer, elk (& other

Cervidae)

0.1 mL PPD bovis Midcervical 72 h

Camelidae 0.1 mL PPD bovis Postaxillary Region 72 h

Note: TB testing and test result interpretation for many exotic species (such as some zoo animals)

are not yet developed or reliable. For interstate movement of these animals, contact the State

Animal Health Official in the state of destination for the TB-testing requirements (if any) for

these species.

Completing Tuberculosis Test Records VS Form 6-22

All test charts must be completed legibly in their entirety and will reflect the true status as

determined by the testing veterinarian. If an item is not applicable, mark an “NA” or a dash

indicating that it has been reviewed.

1. State: Virginia, may be abbreviated VA.

2. Herd Owner’s Name: Legal name of owner should be entered in this block, last

name first. If a ranch/dairy name, follow it with a contact person and physical

location of the animals, complete address including zip code. If a livestock market,

put name and address of the market in box and put the owner’s name above.

3. Complete Herd Test: If the whole herd was tested, check YES and give the number

of test eligible animals in the herd.

4. Kind of Herd: Indicate the kind of herd.

5. Method of Test: Place an “X” in the appropriate box. Alternate sites should be

indicated.

6. Summary: Indicate the number of negatives, suspects and the total number tested.

7. Practitioner’s Name and Signature: Always sign the test record and print your

name below your signature.

8. Agree Code: Fill in your National Accreditation Number

9. Injection Date/Hour: Initials of veterinarian who injects the animals, date and hour

of the test.

10. Observation/Date/Hour: Initials of the veterinarian who observes the test results,

date and time. The observation should be completed 72 hours (+/- 6) following

injection. It must be the same veterinarian who injects and observes.

11. Identification: This must be an official identification (NUES or AIN). In instances

where more than one official tag is present, all tags must be recorded.

12. Age: Note the age of the animal in years (Y) or months (M).

13. Sex: Self-explanatory. If castrated, neutered, etc. please note the codes to be used

(e.g. castrated male is ST for steer).

14. Results: N = negative or S = suspect.

15. Owner Signature: The owner or his agent should sign and date the record as of the

date of observation.

VIRGINIA Tuberculosis -- Paper Test Chart VS FORM 6-22

Continuation Forms Available Upon Request from Regional Offices

VDACS Electronic Form for Brucellosis and/or TB Testing

Instructions: After bleeding cows and listing them on the form, e-mail the form to the nearest

regional office. After reading the TB results and filling them in on the form, e-mail the form to

ocvsubmission@vdacs.virginia.gov

. Results will be sent to you.

Bovine Brucellosis

Bovine brucellosis is a contagious, costly disease of ruminant animals that also affects

humans. Although brucellosis can attack other animals, its main threat is to cattle, bison, cervids

(E.g. elk and deer), and swine. The disease is also known as contagious abortion or Bang's

disease. In humans, it's known as undulant fever because of the severe intermittent fever

accompanying human infection.

The disease is caused by a group of bacteria known scientifically as the genus Brucella.

Three species of Brucella cause the most concern: B. abortus, principally affecting cattle, bison

and cervids; B. suis, principally affecting swine and reindeer but also cattle and bison; and B.

melitensis, principally affecting goats but not present in the United States. In cattle and bison, the

disease primarily localizes in the reproductive organs and/or the udder. Bacteria are shed in milk

or via the aborted fetus, afterbirth, or other reproductive tract discharges.

In 1954, a Cooperative State - Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program was established.

At the beginning of the program, brucellosis was widespread throughout U.S. livestock, but

eradication efforts have had dramatic results. In 1956, there were 124,000 affected herds found by

testing in the United States. By 1992, this number had dropped to 700 herds. Currently all 50

states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are brucellosis Class Free.

The brucellosis vaccine is called RB51. RB51 works by producing an immune response

that increases the animal's resistance to the disease. The vaccine is a live product and must be

administered only by an accredited veterinarian or State or Federal animal health official.

Vaccination is not 100 percent effective in preventing brucellosis; it typically protects against

abortion but not infection. Female calves should be vaccinated when they are between 4 months

and 1 year old. At the time of vaccination, a tattoo is applied in the ear which identifies the

animal as an "official vaccinate." The tattoo identifies the RB51 vaccine and the year in which

vaccination took place. There have been instances where RB51 has been shed in the milk of

properly vaccinated cattle and infected humans who drank the raw milk. With the increasing

popularity of raw milk for human consumption, veterinarians should discuss the risk with their

clients before recommending vaccination.

Completing Brucellosis Test Records VS Form 4-33

A complete herd blood test must include all cattle or bison 6 months of age and older, except

steers and spayed heifers. VS Form 4–33, Brucellosis Test Record, must be completed for each

animal or each herd tested (a separate 4–33 must also be completed for each species tested). VS

Form 4–33 requires that you list the reason for the test. Reasons may include export (specify the

test required by the importing country), interstate movement (depends on the state of destination),

sale, show or fair, diagnostic assessment (such as abortion), and owner request. If infection is

suspected or confirmed, regulatory officials will contact you, the owner, or both, to develop a

herd plan.

1. State: Virginia, may be abbreviated VA.

2. County: Name of county where animals are located.

3. Herd Owner’s Name: Legal name of owner should be entered in this block, last

name first. If a ranch/dairy name, follow it with a contact person and physical

location of the animals, complete address including zip code. If a livestock market,

put name and address of the market in box and put the owner’s name above.

4. Reason for Test: Place an “X” in the appropriate box. If Movement or any other

reason not specified, check “Other” and write the reason in the box.

5. Complete Herd Test: If the whole herd was tested, check YES and give the number

of test eligible animals in the herd.

6. Kind of Herd: Indicate the kind of herd.

7. Practitioner’s Signature and Address: Sign your name legibly. Because there is no

room for your printed name on this form, your signature must be legible. Indicate

your mailing address.

8. Agee Code: Fill in your National Accreditation Number.

9. Date Bled: Enter the date the animals were bled.

10. Tube Number: Use consecutive numbers. Do not duplicate numbers of samples sent

to the laboratory on the same day. Write the number and your vet accreditation code

on the top of each blood tube.

11. Column “2”: Indicate in this column if the animal has been re-tagged (RT), is a

natural addition (NA), purchased addition (PA), or aborter (AB). The codes are

located at the bottom of the column.

12. Identification Number: This must be an OFFICIAL identification accepted in VA.

See above. In instances where more than one official tag is present, all tags shall be

recorded.

Brucellosis Test Record -- Paper Form VS Form 4-33

Continuation Forms Available Upon Request from Regional Office

VDACS has an electronic form that can be used. See above under TB testing.

Protocol for Brucellosis Vaccination

Official Calf hood Vaccination (OCV) is for the prevention, control & eradication of Brucella

abortus in cattle.

• Vaccination of heifers only.

Dairy & Beef 4 – 12 months of age.

• All vaccinates require tattoo in the right ear: The Letter “R” for RB51, official shield,

last digit of year of vaccination i.e. R Shield 0 for 2020

• Official shield may be obtained from regional OVS offices

• Heifers with a 15 digit ISO compatible RFID tag in the left ear do not require a

vaccination tag.

• Orange RFID tags are available in Virginia for OCV that are not already tagged. All other

heifers require a USDA brucellosis tag with the state prefix (52 for Virginia) and 3 letters

the first of which shall be a “V” and 4 numbers. I.e. 52 VAA 1212 in the Right Ear.

OCV tags are orange in color, but can turn silver over time and wear.

• Adult vaccination of cattle in Virginia if required by state of destination for export is

allowed with special permission from the state veterinarian’s office. Pre-vaccination

testing, special tattoo, dose, and ID are required.

Veterinarians are reminded that all states may not accept adult vaccinated cattle or may have

different requirements for adult vaccination. Some states require a 2 cc dose (full calf-hood dose)

of RB-51 for adult vaccination. Call your VDACS Regional office prior to vaccinating adult

cattle. As with other health requirements, cattle being shipped must meet the importing states

requirements concerning brucellosis adult vaccination.

Brucellosis Vaccination -- Paper Chart VS Form 4-26

Depending on the type, a bird it may be regulated as a pet, wildlife or poultry. Multiple

agencies may be involved. When performing regulatory work on birds, please check with the

state of destination prior to movement. Some birds and poultry have specific import

requirements. For international movement visit the APHIS Import and Export website for live

animals.

Below is a list of birds regulated as poultry by the USDA:

• chickens

• doves

• ducks

• geese

• grouse

• guinea fowl

• partridges

• pea fowl

• pheasants

• pigeons

• quail

• swans

• turkeys

For information regarding the National Poultry Improvement Plan:

http://www.poultryimprovement.org/default.cfm

Or contact: Kymberly Coffman

NPIP VA State Official

Harrisonburg Regional Office

540-209-9120

Kymberly.hammer@vdacs.virginia.gov

Avian Influenza

Any veterinarian treating backyard poultry should be aware of the signs of avian

influenza. Avian Influenza has the potential to cause millions of dollars in damages to Virginia’s

commercial poultry industry.

Highly Pathogenic AI viruses usually cause severe illness in chickens and turkeys, and

few birds in infected flocks typically survive. Marked depression, decreased feed and water

intake, and other systemic, respiratory and/ or neurological signs are often seen, but no signs are

pathognomonic, and sudden death can also occur. Commonly reported signs include coughing,

sneezing, sinusitis, blood-tinged oral and nasal discharges, ecchymosis on the shanks and feet,

edema and cyanosis of the unfeathered skin on the head, comb and wattle (and snood in turkeys),

and diarrhea. Egg production decreases or stops, and depigmented, deformed and shell-less eggs

may be produced. Low Pathogenic AI cannot be distinguished from Fowl Cholera, e. coli

septicemia, Aspergillosis, Coryza, Exotic Newcastle, Laryngotracheitis or Infectious Bronchitis

based on clinical examination. For further information regarding avian influenza or other

regulatory diseases of poultry please call the VDACS Harrisonburg Office 540-209-9120.

Birds and Poultry