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Animal Entry Requirements

To protect animal and public health, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture enforces specific regulations for the entry of animals into the state. These rules help prevent the spread of contagious and communicable diseases.

General Entry Requirements

  • No animal, including poultry or birds, may enter Arkansas if it shows signs of disease, has recently been exposed to disease, or comes from a quarantined area without written permission from the State Veterinarian.
  • Animals not meeting entry requirements may be quarantined at the owner’s expense until all conditions are satisfied.
  • All livestock must be moved in accordance with federal interstate transport regulations (Code of Federal Regulations).
  • Exhibition animals must meet additional requirements outlined in the Arkansas Livestock Exhibition Regulations.

Certificates and Permits

  • Most animals require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 30 days of entry.
  • Entry permits are required for certain animals, including:
    • Swine, camelids, cervids, ratites, zoo/exotic animals, rodeo bulls, and non-poultry birds.
    • Cattle from states without tuberculosis-free status.

Species-Specific Requirements

Each species has its own entry conditions regarding identification, testing, and documentation. Key highlights include:

  • Cattle – Must have a CVI and individual ID. Additional testing may be required for brucellosis or tuberculosis depending on origin.
  • Horses – Require a CVI and negative EIA (Coggins) test within the past 12 months.
  • Poultry – Must come from NPIP-certified flocks or have recent negative tests for Pullorum and MG (for turkeys).
  • Sheep and Goats – Must meet Scrapie identification and certification standards.
  • Swine – Require individual ID, CVI, and permit. Testing for brucellosis and pseudorabies is mandatory unless exempt.

Important Notes

  • Owner responsibility: All costs related to non-compliance, including transport, testing, quarantine, or loss, are the responsibility of the owner or shipper.
  • Some animals entering for slaughter only may be exempt from certain requirements.
  • Animals must not be diverted from their permitted destination once in transit.

For full and detailed regulations, please refer to the Arkansas Health Requirements Governing the Entry of Livestock, Poultry, and Exotic Animals.