An Act Concerning Brucellosis Vaccines for Cattle

Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §1812, 2nd ¶,  as repealed and replaced by PL 1987, c. 446, §2, is amended to read:

Female cattle Cattle brought into the State may enter without having been vaccinated for brucellosis, provided they are imported from brucellosis-free states and countries pursuant to the provisions of 9 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 78. In order to import female cattle over 120 days of age from class A and B states as defined in the 9 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 78, those cattle must be vaccinated for brucellosis before entering the State.

Sec. 2. 7 MRSA §1812, 5th ¶,  as amended by PL 2001, c. 572, §42, is repealed.

summary

Current law refers to a federal brucellosis classification that will be revised in 2014. This bill removes reference to Class A and B and refers to 9 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 78 as the means for allowing brucellosis-free cattle to be brought into the State, to prevent the necessity of revision in the near future.

The bill removes the requirements that the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry maintain inventory of and distribute brucellosis vaccine to accredited veterinarians and establish fees to cover associated costs.