Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services intends to consider amending the following regulations: 2VAC5-140, Health Requirements Governing the Admission of Livestock, Poultry, Companion Animals, and Other Animals or Birds into Virginia. The purpose of the proposed action is to establish the requirements for testing and documentation of livestock and certain other animals to be allowed to come into Virginia. The existing regulation will be reviewed and updated where appropriate to require the use of appropriate testing methods for those animals entering Virginia permanently and for exhibition. The regulation currently requires that animals coming into Virginia shall be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection to create a record to document the origin, destination, test results, and relevant vaccinations of animals coming into Virginia from other states. The information required on the certificates of veterinary inspection will be reviewed for compatibility with current epidemiology practices and record management systems. The regulations will also be reviewed for continuing need and effectiveness.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 3.2-6001, 3.2-6002, and 3.2-6004 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comments: Public comments may be submitted until 5 p.m. on July 8, 2009.

Agency Contact: Richard D. Saunders, Program Manager, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 692-0601, FAX (804) 371-2380, or email doug.saunders@vdacs.virginia.gov.