Vol. 29, No. 2 #8 (April 2006). Protecting Livestock from Theft and Disease.

• Author: By Dwayne C. Oldham, DVM

Wyoming Bar Journal

2006.

Vol. 29, No. 2 #8 (April 2006).

Protecting Livestock from Theft and Disease

WYOMING LAWYERApril 2006/Vol. 29, No. 2Protecting Livestock from Theft and DiseaseBy Dwayne C. Oldham, DVM

There are many legal requirements that must be fulfilled each time there is movement of livestock in the state of Wyoming. These requirements differ based on the various types of movements and for different species. Historically, the laws regulating movement were put in place to protect individual producers and the livestock industry. Primarily, these laws served two purposes: to determine ownership of livestock, and to protect the industry against animal health concerns. These two purposes are just as important today. However, these requirements are also vitally important for many additional reasons. The animal agriculture industry today is one of the most mobile industries in the nation, as animals commonly travel thousands of miles in their lifetime. Each state has a legal mandate to regulate the importation of animals into its borders, and because of this, the State Veterinarian's office has a responsibility to assure Wyoming's trading partners in other states that our exported livestock entering their jurisdictions are healthy and free of infectious diseases. This is particularly important to Wyoming because of a lack of terminal processing facilities. Virtually all of the livestock raised or fed in Wyoming are exported. The state of Wyoming also has a duty to ensure that consumers have safe food products. These factors are the forces behind the movement requirements today. Additionally, the requirements are often a result of the need to respond to international markets. Keeping these markets open means the United States has to assure these trading partners that they are receiving a wholesome product.

Historically, the biggest tool in identifying ownership and regulating the movement of livestock has been through the use of brands and the inspection of branded livestock. Branding livestock with a permanent and distinct symbol has been practiced for over 4,000 years. The recording of brands and brand inspection has been a requirement in Wyoming since territorial days. The original brands in Wyoming were issued by counties and since 1909 have been recorded and issued by the state of Wyoming. The Wyoming...