To all EWA members, please take note of the new entry requirements for the importation of Sika and Red Deer into the state of Texas. This is for the interstate movement of these species. The intrastate movement of these two species are not affected at this time but will certainly be addressed in the future.

Charly Seale Executive Director

TAHC Modifies Entry Requirements Effective Immediately for Cervids

AUSTIN -The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) announced that effective immediately it is has determined that Red deer (Cervus elaphus), and Sika deer (Cervus nippon) are “susceptible species” for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)and thereforemust meet the same entry requirements as other cervid species regulated by the agency such as elk and moose. The new entry rules for Red deer and Sika deer will require they originate from herds with at least five years of participation in a herd certification program from states where CWD has been detected, and at least three years participation in programs from states that have not found CWD thus far.

The agency decision was based in part on the disclosure that a farmed Red deer herd in Minnesota was confirmed positive for CWD in May of this year. Further, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an interim final CWD rule on June 8, which designates Sika deer and Red deer as susceptible species. The USDA rule is intended to establish minimum requirements for interstate movement of deer, elk, moose, and other susceptible cervids, and to also establish a national CWD certification program. [Read More]